Gongju was Baekje's capital for most of the 5th and 6th centuries, and its royal tombs are among Korea's most significant archaeological finds.
Highlights
- Songsan-ri Tombs, including the tomb of King Muryeong — found undisturbed, it yielded over 4,600 artefacts, 12 of them national treasures.
- Gongju National Museum, built to house those artefacts; general admission is free.
- Gongsanseong Fortress, a roughly 2.5 km walled fortress above the Geumgang River, with good river views along the walk.
- Gongju Hanok Village, a reconstructed hanok village with camping facilities.
Getting there
Express bus from Seoul to Gongju Terminal is the most direct route.
How long
Gongju pairs naturally with nearby Buyeo, Baekje's later capital — a one-night, two-day trip covering both is a common way to see them together.