Buan is a scenic county in North Jeolla Province (Jeollabuk-do), South Korea, known for its harmonious blend of coastline, mountains, and cultural heritage. The area is celebrated for its natural beauty, tranquil beaches, and historical sites, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and exploration.
Understand
[edit]Buan offers a compelling mix of natural environments. To the west, the county meets the West Sea, providing a rugged coastline ideal for marine tourism. In contrast, Buan's eastern side extends into the highly fertile Honam Plain, historically a key agricultural region. This geographical diversity is highlighted by Byeonsanbando National Park, which covers much of the area. The park uniquely combines dramatic mountain scenery featuring sites like the ancient Naesosa Temple and Jikso Falls—with beautiful coastal beaches. While most tourist attractions are concentrated on the scenic Byeonsan Peninsula, the administrative and commercial core remains the inland town of Buan-eup.
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]- 1 Buan Bus Terminal (부안버스터미널), Seokjeong-ro 208, ☏ 1666-2429. To reach Buan by bus, you can take Express buses that run directly from major metropolitan areas, including Seoul and Gwangju. For shorter distances, Intercity buses provide frequent service from nearby cities within the region, such as Jeonju, Gunsan, and Gimje.
By train
[edit]There is no train station within Buan. The nearest station is Gimje Station, about 20–30 minutes to the east. From Gimje, you must take an intercity bus to reach Buan. You can also go to Iksan Station. Upon arriving at Iksan Station, head to the Intercity Bus Transfer Stop immediately outside the station plaza. From here, you can board a bus bound for the Buan Intercity Bus Terminal.
Get around
[edit]
See
[edit]Eight Scenic Views of Byeonsan
[edit]
The Eight Scenic Views of Byeonsan are the eight most famous beauty spots in Byeonsanbando National Park, Buan. They showcase the region's total harmony, blending the majestic mountains featuring waterfalls and ancient temples with the dramatic coastal scenery including Chaeseokgang Cliffs and the spectacular West Sea sunset.
- 1 Woongyeon Jodae (웅연조대), 36, Gomso 2-gil, Jinseo-myeon. This view captures the serene, peaceful outer coast at Gomso Bay. It highlights the traditional, picturesque scene of anglers fishing (jodae) against the backdrop of the calm sea and the unique salt flats, embodying the relaxed atmosphere of the western shore.
- 2 Jikso Pokpo (직소폭포), 52, Silsang-gil, Byeonsan-myeon. The undisputed star of inner Byeonsan, this is the magnificent, 30-meter waterfall that plunges vertically into a deep, emerald pool called Jiksobo. The surrounding valley, complete with clear streams and the legendary Fairy's Bath (Seonnyeotang), makes it a true mountain sanctuary.
Museums
[edit]- New & Renewable Energy Village
- 3 Seokjeong Literary Museum (석정문학관), 560 Seoneun-ri, Buan-eup, ☏ +82 63-584-0560. A memorial hall built to honor Shin Seok Jeong's literary spirit. Shin Seok-jeong, who was born in Buan, was an idyllic and participating poet. Seokjeong Literary Museum exhibits a collection of his poems and autograph manuscripts.
- Hwimok Art Museum, 10 Unho-gil, Jinseo-myeon, Buan-gun. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00.
Temples
[edit]- 4 Naeso Temple (내소사), Seokpo-ri, Jinseo-myeon. Founded in 633 CE, rebuilt in 1633.
- 5 Gaeam Temple (개암사), at the foot of Byeonsan Mountain in Gamgyo-ri, Sangseo-myeon. Founded in 643 CE, rebuilt in 1314.
Do
[edit]- 1 Byeonsan Peninsula National Park (뵬산반도 국립공원). Famous attractions in the national park include Jikso Falls, Seongye Falls, Naksodae, Jeokbyeokgang, and Byeonsan Beach.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Seafood and local cuisine: Buan’s coastal location means fresh seafood is a highlight, with local restaurants serving up regional specialties.