A Summer Day in Gongju, South Korea | Day Trip from Seoul

After having this place on my list for months, I finally made it down south to the city of Gongju (which happens to mean princess in Korean ^^)

The ride from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Gongju Bus Terminal takes about an hour and a half and costs either 11,900won or 14,700won depending on if its a busy time. Upon arrival, I immediately got in a taxi and headed to Yeonmisan Nature and Art Park (연미산자연미술공원). It’s a forest filled with massive art installations and was the main reason for my visit.

When I got to the ticket booth, imagine my surprise when the woman working there said that they were closed on Mondays. I could have sworn that I checked because often in Korea small businesses are closed Mondays but I guess I didn’t look hard enough :’) Luckily, she saw that I had come all the way from Seoul and decided to let me in - so I had the place to myself! It was absolutely worth the 5,000won fee and I loved how you could climb up so many of the art pieces.

After that, I called a taxi using Kakao Taxi and went to lunch at Maehyang, a noodle shop known for making their own flour in-house! You’re greeted at the door by a huge stone mill churning out flour so you know its fresh! I have the bibim naengmyeon which are noodles served cold with spicy sauce and a big slice of pear on top - perfect for summer!

After eating and getting red sauce on my white shirt, I took a quick bus ride to Ruchia Tea House (루치아의 뜰) in order to escape the midday heat. The little hanok was gorgeous but got crowded right after I sat down so try to get there near opening time! I had a peaceful cup of their seasonal flower tea (still not 100% sure what flower it was lol) and then took the bus back to midtown to see the fortress!

Gong San Sung Fortress is located right next to the river and has plenty of walking trails to enjoy.

The view from the top is stunning and there is even a pavilion where you can sit in the shade overlooking the river. Because of Covid it was free to enter but usually it is 1,200won.

I went across the street to figure out my next move - by this time it was true summer in Korea heat - and ended up in Haru Cafe. They said they were famous for their chestnut lattes so I thought, why not? Turns out it was more like a milkshake than a latte but it was certainly delicious! I found out that Gongju is actually known for its chestnuts so I’m glad I had a bit of them while I was here.

I then took a quick taxi over to the King Mureyong Royal Tombs which were also free to visit because of COVID. You can walk around the grounds, but definitely don’t miss out on the small museum located underground. You can walk into recreations of the tombs and see all the treasures found inside! There was lots of information in English.

Finishing up my day, went a little further south to Front Cafe which is located in somewhat more of a residential area (close to the teahouse.) I got a coffee and a mint chocolate chip brownie that was absolutely excellent. It was all outdoor seating and the music was perfect. Upstairs you can visit a small bookstore too!

Overall, Gongju had everything I could have asked for and was a wonderful day trip that I would recommend to anyone!!