Buyeo celebrates Baekje treasures and Unesco heritage anniversary

세계유산도시 부여 - 백제가 남긴 문화유산
Last year, Buyeo celebrated getting 4 of its Baekjae dynasty treasures included in a prestigious UNESCO list.
This year, the Midwestern Korean county is busier than ever promoting the sites and share their history.
Oh Jung-hee provides a closer look at the beauty of the area's ancient treasures.
Fortresses, temples, ponds and stone towers from Baekje -- one of Korea's three ancient kingdoms with Goguryeo and Silla -- adorn the midwestern county of Buyeo, which is celebrating its first year on the Unesco World Cultural and Natural Heritage list.
At a ceremony on Friday marking the occasion, the governor of Buyeo vowed that the county would safeguard the sites from both natural disasters and human activity.

"Baekje had active exchanges with ancient East Asian kingdoms in present-day China and Japan,... and led the development of Buddhism, arts, and architecture. It's a proud history. Being part of UNESCO's heritage list is only the beginning. What's really important is to treasure the sites to the best of our ability."

The four sites on the Unesco list include the Gwanbuk-ri Relics and Busosanseong Fortress ,... a mud structure that the Kingdom of Baekje built on top of Busosan Mountain in 538 A.D.
With the Baekma-gang river flowing to the north,.. and the gentle slopes rolling to the south,... the mountain was considered a great natural barricade.

"Leftover traces of Baekje's irrigation system and warehouse,... and coins and roof tiles found here, prove that Baekje's royal palace was located in this area."

The fortress played a critical role in protecting the Baekje capital of Sabi,... or present-day Buyeo, but it's also associated with a tragic legend from Baekje's final days.
It's said that when the kingdom was collapsing, as neighboring kingdoms invaded,... three-thousand court women threw themselves off the cliff at Nakhwaam Rock and into the river.

"Seeing the tragic history in front of my eyes makes me feel quite reverent and awestruck. But I can't deny it's very beautiful up here, with the scenery of the river and mountain."

A little farther south is Gungnamji Pond, created in 634 A.D.
Baekje officials dug out the land just south of the royal palace, planted willow trees and placed an island in the center.
Today, it's the oldest manmade pond in Korea.

"Though not part of the Unesco list, it is well known among Koreans as a haven for over ten million lotus flowers. At this time of year,... pink and purple lotus flowers and giant lotus leaves float on the waters as curious visitors walk by."

The landscape provides a welcome respite for the many visitors, who come to appreciate the beauty of the area and fragrant blossoms.
As darkness falls, the area is transformed as if by magic.
The trees, flowers and sculptures light up,... and fireworks illuminate the night sky.

"Oh, beautiful. It's beautiful. We also took pictures of nice fireworks."

Back in the city, there is another treasure to explore -- the Jeongnim-saji Temple Site, home to a five-story stone tower that is one of the only two left from seventh-century Baekje.

"Baekje's main temple was established here by the king to unite the people after he moved the capital to Buyeo. The stone tower records Baekje's collapse,... and was written by a general from the neighboring kingdom that invaded Baekje."

Nearby, a samulnori and pansori concert that was part of a recent festival provides an evening serenade.

"People from the city and from all over Korea gathered to enjoy Korea's traditional music. The five-story stone tower lit up from behind and the dynamic music amplified the beauty of the night view at the picturesque and magnificent Jeongnim-saji Temple Site."

The treasures scattered around Buyeo are tied to each other through Baekje's legacy,... and each site offers its own kind of beauty.
In seeking them out, visitors to Buyeo can get a bit of history, culture and nature -- all in one place.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News, Buyeo.


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