Course Overview
This approximately 20 km drive connects two core sites of the UNESCO-listed Baekje Historic Areas: Mireuksa Temple Site and Wanggung-ri Archaeological Site. Mireuksa was the largest temple in East Asia, built by King Mu of Baekje. Wanggung-ri preserves the ruins of a Baekje royal palace.
Mireuksa Stone Pagoda (National Treasure), Korea's oldest and largest stone pagoda, was restored in 2019 after 20 years of conservation work.
Section Highlights
Section 1: Mireuksa Temple Site (approx. 5 km)
Explore the vast temple grounds and the restored National Treasure stone pagoda, with artifacts at the on-site exhibition hall.
Section 2: Mireuksa to Geumma-myeon (approx. 8 km)
A flat road crossing the Iksan plains, evoking the vast agricultural landscape of the Baekje era.
Section 3: Geumma-myeon to Wanggung-ri (approx. 7 km)
The archaeological site reveals the Baekje palace layout including gardens and facilities. The five-story stone pagoda here is also a National Treasure.
Driving Tips
- Both sites offer free admission
- Mireuksa exhibition hall is closed on Mondays
- The flat terrain can be windy; bring a windbreaker in spring and autumn
- Iksan is famous for its pork ribs restaurants