Nonsan is an agricultural city in South Chungcheong Province well known for its succulent local strawberries. However, Nonsan is notably underrated in comparison with other tourist destinations. Some people may assume that because Nonsan is rural, there is not much to do but they are wrong! Nonsan has numerous historic, cultural and entertaining attractions that tourists from all over the world would enjoy. Read on and I will introduce you to some of the most fascinating spots in Nonsan.
Sunshine Land
Go back in time to the dawn of the 20th Century in Korea when you visit Sunshine Land. The name โSunshine Landโ refers to the filming site of the famous K-drama, Mr Sunshine (2018.) Additionally, it is the site of The King: Eternal Monarch (2020) but I would definitely advise watching the iconic Mr Sunshine first. The series focuses on activists fighting for Korean independence during Japanese colonization. Even if you are not a drama fan, you will appreciate how Sunshine Land pays tribute to a significant period of modern Korean history as well as a principal factor underpinning Korean-Japanese diplomatic relations today.
As well as each buildingโs rustic exterior, the interiors are ornately decorated with antique furniture and household items. There is even a bakery with replicas of different bread varieties available in the early 1900s. Furthermore, there is a costume rental boutique from which you can dress up in vintage clothing in the style of the era. It is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the time capsule that is Sunshine Land. Donโt forget to snap the perfect photo for Instagram!
Entrance Fee: 7,000 won
Operating Hours: 9 AM โ 5 AM, closed on Wednesdays
Address: 102 Bonghwang-ro, Yeonmu-eup, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Baekje Military Museum
This public museum showcases the latter military history of the ancient Baekje Kingdom. The facilities include 3 exhibition rooms, featuring reconstructed armour and weapons, life-sized and miniature models as well as artifacts. Additionally, located in the museumโs vicinity is the historical site of the Battle of Hwangsanbeol, which marked the final demise of the Baekje Kingdom.
When Baekje was invaded by Silla-Tang allied forces in 660 AD, General Gyebaek lead his army of 5000 soldiers against their 50,000 soldiers. Miraculously, the small army won the first 4 battles but eventually faced defeat. Gyebaek was killed in battle along with his soldiers.
Entrance Fee: Free
Operating Hours: 9 AM โ 6 PM, closed on Mondays
Address: 311-54 Chunggok-ro, Bujeok-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Tapjeong Lake Ecological Park
Spend some relaxing time walking along the lake path while enjoying the perfect scenic view of nature. Tapjeong Lake Ecological Park is a great place to calm your mind and delight in the natural tranquility of your surroundings. Moreover, discover a variety of aquatic flora and fauna as you stroll around the park. The park consists of wildflower gardens, lawn yard, dragonfly ponds, lotus garden, observatory and learning centre.
The best time to visit is between spring and fall, when the flowers are in full bloom. It is close by to Baekje Museum so you can visit both on the same day. There can be many people there on the weekends, including families with young children and groups of seniors.
Entrance Fee: Free
Operational Hours: Open every day
Address: Chunggok-ri, Bujeok-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Myeongjaeโs House
In Nonsan, you can visit the home of the famous Confucian scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, Myeongjae Yun Jeung (1629-1714.) Myeongjae Yun Jeung was a highly influential and respected scholar of his time, renowned for his dedication to virtue. Myeongjaeโs House is typical of the Joseon upper-class homes. However, the house is not of the same grand size or as luxurious decor. Myeongjaeโs House is an incredible example of a fine Hanok that is still intact today.
The house marks 300 years of history and tradition that has been passed on to Myeongjaeโs descendants. In the surrounding garden, youโll see 100s of large โonggisโ, which are Korean earthenware for storing โgochujangโ (red pepper paste), kimchi, soy sauce etc. Furthermore, from the viewpoint that looks down on the house, you can see the Noseong Mountain in the background and its surrounding forests. The house is open all year round but is most colourful and scenic during the Autumn months.
Entrance Fee: Free
Operational Hours: Open every day
Address: 50 Noseongsanseong-gil, Noseong-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Gwanchoksa Temple
Gwanchoksa Temple sits at the foot of Banyasan Mountain and enshrines the ancient Eunjin Mireuk or โmaitreyaโ buddha statue that took 38 years to build. Construction began as early as 967 AD during the Goryo period. According to legend, a woman was once foraging in the Banyasan foothills when she heard a baby crying. She followed the sound, but instead of a baby, she found a large rock sticking out from the earth. When senior officials heard the story, they ordered for the mysterious rock to be carved into a statue of Buddha.
Eunjin Mireuk is the tallest Buddha state in Korea, standing at 59 ft. Moreover, around 100 sculptors and 300 workers built it. The surrounding nature is equally beautiful and is a prime location to see the blooming of cherry blossom in April.
Entrance Fee: 2,000 won
Operating Hours: 8 AM โ 8 PM
Address: 25, Gwanchok-ro 1-beon-gil, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
