낙화암

If such a thing as the elixir of life existed, would you refuse to drink it? There is a mysterious spring in Goransa Temple. And the mineral spring behind Goransa Temple is the secret source. Now let’s find out the legend of the spring. A long time ago, a harmonious, elderly, childless couple lived in a nearby village. One day, the old woman heard from an ascetic that the spring water from behind Goransa Temple rejuvenated the body. Since the woman was desperate to have a child, she urged her husband to find the mystical spring and drink it. Driven by her earnest demands, the husband climbed the mountain behind the temple. There, he found clean and cool water springing out of the rocks and started drinking it. He instantly felt younger, so he drank more and more of the water. The woman, who had been waiting a long time for her husband to return, became curious and worried whether something had happened to him. So, she climbed up the mountain to find her husband. When she arrived at the spring, she was astounded by what she saw. A beautiful, crying, newborn baby was lying on the ground wearing her husband’s clothes! She realized that the baby was her husband and regretted not telling him that just one cup of water made the body three years younger. The woman brought the baby home and raised him to become the prime minister of Baekje. King Uija, the last king of Baekje, once tasted this spring water and drank it every day thereafter. Carrying precious water from the temple to the palace was always a struggle, and it was also possible that the servants would be tempted to replace it with impure water from closer quarters. So, the king ordered the water to be delivered along with a plant that was unique to Goransa Temple as proof. It is said that King Uija’s prodigious energy and lack of stomach complaints were due to the benefits of the spring water. However, actually, this water is known to be effective in treating stomach disorders. Would you like to try it?

Pit House Sites Three pit house sites that were used as barracks in Baekje were found in the southwestern part of the fortress. Pit House Site No. 3, in particular, measures approximately 4m x 4m x 0.9m and a floor heating system as well as various artifacts such as a golden phoenix figurine, roof-end tiles, iron weapons, and armor pieces were found within the site. Huts have been restored above the remains for visitors to better understand the structures.

Sajaru Pavilion is located at the highest point of Busosan Mountain. It was established in the 24th year of King Sunjo (1824) as the main gate of the Imcheon Government Office during the Joseon Dynasty. It was called Baesanru but renamed to Sajaru when the Pavilion was moved to its current place in 1919. Also, the pavilion has 3 spaces in front and 2 spaces on the side with a gable roof and double eaves. It was erected on a single-stage rectangular base. When you look under the eaves of the front door of the pavilion, you can see Sajaru letters on Pyeonak, a hanging board. The letters were written by Prince Yi Gang, the son of King Gojong, in 1919. Moreover, the pavilion offers stunning views as it was built on the highest point of Busosan Mountain. Originally, there used to be a terrace called Songwaldae for viewing the moon at this location. I hope you enjoy the beautiful views from Sajaru Pavilion.

If you go down a little from Banwolu Square to Taejagol in the northeast, you will find Gungnyeosa Shrine. The shrine was built in 1965 to commemorate the court ladies of Baekje who took their own lives by throwing themselves off the cliff at Nakhwaam Rock on the day of Sabiseong Fortress being destroyed by the coalition of Nadang in the 20th year of King Uija of Baekje (A.D. 660). The shrine’s small and simple spatial arrangement makes it a great place to reminisce about the sensibilities, attitudes, and lives of Baekje women who witnessed the downfall of their kingdom. Every October, the ancestral rites are held during the Baekje Cultural Festival. Also, the Baekje Cultural Festival, which started in 1955, has become one of Korea’s representative historical and cultural festivals as the Baekje Historic Areas were registered as Korea's 12th World Heritage Site. The festival specifically promotes the excellence of Baekje's historical sites. If you have a chance to visit Busosanseong Fortress during the festival, it will provide you with a great experience learning more about Korea and Baekje culture.