Buyeo Gungnamji Pond, Chungcheongnam-do: Feeling Korea’s Past With Flower Festivals

Buyeo Gungnamji Lake/ Pond is a well-known tourist attraction in Buyeo County. According to records, this pond is an artificial pond made by King Mu.

The pond is known for its flower festival that it holds every year.

Why you should visitBuyeo Gungnamji Pond is a sight for sore eyes. During Spring, the pond is filled with life from lotus flowers blooming to Koi swimming in the water.

But asides from that, this lake was an act of love. Because according to the records, King Mu made this artificial lake for Princess Seonhwa which he was deeply in love with.

Lastly, the Baekje Garden/Flower Festival is being held here every year, enjoy the beautiful sights of the pond as well as the wonderful performances by talented artists during the festival.

The story behind Buyeo Gungnamji Pond

I’ve mentioned multiple times now that King Mu made Buyeo Gungnamji Pond for Princess Seonhwa.

However before he was King Mu, he was Seodong, prince of Baekje. Seodong traveled to Silla to spy on it but he met Princess Seonhwa and they fell in love.

They had a secret affair and had nightly rendezvous. They made a song called the Seo Dong Yo and spread it among the common people.

Sadly, the song was spread and their affair was discovered. Princess Seonhwa was exiled and separated from Seodong. But love triumphs all and when Seodong became King Mu, he married Princess Seonhwa and they lived happily ever after.

Baekje Garden Festival

Do you know about the ancient Kingdom of Baekje?

Well, there are multiple festivals held for the Kingdom of Baekje and one of those festivals is the Baekje Garden Festival.

The Baekje Garden Festival is held from July 3 to 5 at Gungnamji Pond.

What to expect when going there

Expect to see beautiful sights and a peaceful and serene environment.

Expect to be in awe because Gungnamji Pond is Korea’s oldest artificial pond and seeing a pond this big made during ancient Korea where technology wasn’t as advanced as it was today.

Looks like King Mu really loved Princess Seonhwa so much that he made a pond this big despite it being very difficult to do.

Going to the destination

Buyeo Gungnamji Pond is in Buyeo County. You can go to Buyeo County from Seoul via bus. Take a bus from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal to Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal.

From Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal, you can walk to Buyeo Gungnamji Pond, since it's almost 2 km away. You can also take a taxi if you want to as well.

Things to see in Buyeo Gungnamji Pond

The pond is small but you must remember that this is an artificial pond. And despite its small size, Buyeo Gungnamji Pond is a sight to behold.

You’ll see beautiful flowers surrounding the pond.

There’s also a pathway or route you can take to observe the whole pond.

The pathways or more seen in this view.

You can also see the pagoda here.

Here’s a better view of the pagoda. Those things surrounding the pagoda are there to make it look like a flower.

It's even more beautiful at night!

You’ll also see turtles and koi in the pond. Its a pond after all!

The story of King Mu and Princess Seonhwa

Final words

Buyeo Gungnamji Pond is not only a beautiful place but it's also a very romantic place as well. The flowers and the serene environment make for a very romantic mood. Looks like the love of King Mu and Princess Seonhwa still lives in Buyeo Gungnamji Pond after all the centuries.