Iksan｜A Hidden Gem in Korea

Tired of the same old tourist traps? Come to Iksan, Korea, and unlock a hidden travel gem for a unique and wonderful experience! I. Basic Information Iksan is located in the north of Jeollabuk-do, Korea. It is an ancient capital filled with the rich culture of the Baekje era and a transportation and logistics hub with a century-old railway history. II. Best Time to Travel and Climate • Spring (March–May): The temperature ranges from 5°C to 18°C. The weather gradually warms up, and everything comes back to life. It is suitable for flower viewing, such as cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers 🌼. • Summer (June–August): The temperature ranges from 20°C to 28°C. It is relatively hot and humid, with occasional rainfall. You can enjoy water activities and admire the lush natural scenery. • Autumn (September–November): The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C. The autumn air is crisp and clear, and the maple leaves turn red. It is a good time to admire the red leaves and taste fresh autumn fruits. ⛅️ • Winter (December–February): The temperature ranges from -5°C to 5°C. The weather is cold, and it sometimes snows. You can go skiing at nearby ski resorts. III. Transportation Guide • Airplane: You can first arrive at Incheon International Airport and then take the KTX from Incheon International Airport Station to Iksan Station. The whole journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs about KRW 44,600 per person. ✈️ • Train: Korea has a well-developed railway transportation system. If you are in other cities in Korea, you can check and book train tickets to Iksan through the Korail website. • Local Transportation: You can use a T-money card to take the bus or take a taxi. IV. Must-See Attractions 1. Wanggung-ri Remains: This is the site of the Baekje royal palace. Every spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, it is always crowded with tourists admiring the flowers. Many people take photos with the National Treasure Wanggung-ri Five-story Stone Pagoda in the background. The Wanggung Museum next to the ruins is divided into five thematic exhibition halls, making it easy for people to learn about the history and culture of Baekje. 2. Mireuksa Temple Site: The largest temple in Baekje, covering an area of 13.38 million square meters, is the largest ancient temple site in Korea ⛲️. It consists of three stone pagodas: a lost pagoda, the East Pagoda restored in 1993, and the No. 11 National Treasure Stone Pagoda. It is known as "the oldest and most magnificent stone pagoda in Korea." Here, you can feel the weight and vicissitudes of history. 3. Goseurak Fermented Sauce Pavilion: A large fermented food storage in Korea, with more than 4,000 traditional sauce jars in a space of 30,000 pyeong. It is also the filming location of the Korean drama *The King: Eternal Monarch*. You can go to the observation deck to see the panoramic view and make various sauces and vinegars. V. Food Recommendations • Korean BBQ 🍖: A traditional Korean food, you can also taste the authentic flavor in Iksan. It mainly features beef, such as beef tenderloin and steak. The meat is fresh, tender, and marinated before being grilled over an open fire or charcoal. It is served with vegetables and special sauces. One bite is super satisfying. • Bibimbap: Rice 🍚, meat, eggs 🍳, and vegetables are placed in a hot stone pot and roasted until a layer of crispy rice forms at the bottom of the pot. It is fragrant, tempting, and nutritious. • Korean Fried Chicken 🍗: Crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, served with sweet and spicy sauce, honey mustard sauce, etc. It is a perfect snack for watching dramas and relaxing. VI. Precautions 1. Korean hotels generally do not provide disposable slippers and toiletries, so remember to bring your own in advance. 2. When taking public transportation in Korea, pay attention to getting off before getting on and follow the order. 3. Respect local cultural customs, such as taking off your shoes when entering traditional Korean houses or temples. 4. When shopping, pay attention to the price of goods and the return and exchange policy to avoid unnecessary disputes. Come to Iksan and embark on a niche trip full of surprises!