Gungnamji Pond
How to get there
By bus: From Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal, you can ride the #124, #403, #850, or #335 bus but...there isn't really any reason to do so because you'll only ride for 2 stops, which takes about 2 minutes, and then walk the remaining distance.
On foot/by taxi: From Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal, you can take a taxi. You'll ride the taxi for about 4 minutes and the cost will be around 4,200 won. So, in my opinion, walking is the cheapest and easiest option. From the bus terminal it'll take around 18 minutes to walk to Seodong Park where you'll find Gungnamji Pond.
Address: Dongnam-ri, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Seodong Park
Gungnamji Pond is a historical site that is located in Seodong Park. The park itself is quite large and consists mostly of several ponds which are filled with blossoming lotus flowers in the summer months, so it is where the Buyeo Lotus Festival takes place each year in early July. July and August are the hottest months in Korea so if you're visiting during this time, I recommend visiting the park in the late afternoon/early evening like I did. Whilst the flowers will start to close ahead of nightfall, it's much cooler so you can enjoy walking amongst the leaves and take in the beautiful sunset.
Gungnamji Pond
Gungnamji Pond dates back to 634 AD to the ancient Kingdom of Baekjae, making it Korea's first and oldest artificial pond. Its name, '궁남지' (Gungnamji) translates as 'a pond in the south of the royal palace', and it was built by King Mu in the 35th year of his reign. King Mu, also referred to as 'Seodong', had the lake dug out and connected to a water source via a 7,800 metre waterway. In the centre a mound was built, where you can now see a pavilion, and willow trees were planted around the edge of the pond.
This location may seem familiar to K-drama lovers as it has made an appearance in several popular dramas and movies, such as: 'Mr. Queen' (2020), 'My Country: The New Age' (2019), 'Seven Day Queen' (2017).
This place is equally beautiful at night, when warm lights illuminate the pond and the bridge which connects to the pavilion in its centre creating a romantic and magical night view.
