In celebration of the '2025-2026 Visit Chungnam Year,' Chungcheongnam-do Province is running 'Monthly Chungnam,' a project that selects a new tourism theme each month to introduce local attractions.
For May, the 'Month of Family,' the theme is 'Gifts of Shared Time,' highlighting major tourist destinations in Gongju, Nonsan, and Taean perfect for family outings.
These featured locations offer a diverse range of experiences, including historical and cultural immersion, natural ecological tourism, and family-friendly content, ensuring a satisfying trip for all age groups.
◇ Gongju: A City of Everlasting Brilliance
Gongju, a city that holds stories from the Paleolithic era to modern times, is gaining attention as a memorable travel destination for all generations.
The Seokjangni Prehistoric Museum, the first site in Korea where Paleolithic remains were excavated, will host the 'Seokjangni Paleolithic Festival' from May 3rd to 6th. The festival will feature various programs including hands-on activities, performances, and exhibitions.
Gongsanseong Fortress, the royal city during the Baekje Ungjin period (475-538 AD), is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking along its ramparts offers a panoramic view of Gongju.
The downtown area along the Jemincheon Stream is dotted with modern and contemporary architectural gems, including the Jungdong Catholic Church built in 1897, the former Gongju-eup Office, Gongju Jeil Church, and the Pulkkot Literary Museum.
In particular, the former Gongju-eup Office, constructed in 1923, served as the Chungnam Financial Association Federation, Gongju-eup Office, and Gongju City Hall. Its facade, featuring four symmetrical Doric columns at the entrance, showcases a typical early modern government building style. It is currently operated as an exhibition space showcasing the modern history of Gongju to preserve its cultural value.
◇ Nonsan: A Destination Where Past and Present Coexist
Nonsan is a region with diverse attractions, ranging from Buddhist cultural heritage to the ambiance of the enlightenment period and engaging experiential content.
Gwancheoksa Temple is home to the National Treasure Eun Jin Mireuk, the largest stone Buddha statue in East Asia. Visitors can admire the majestic standing stone Maitreya Bodhisattva and numerous historical artifacts.
Ganggyeong, located downstream of the Geumgang River, once flourished as one of the three major markets of the Joseon Dynasty. In the modern era, it developed in commerce and education alongside religious cultures such as Christianity and Catholicism.
The Ganggyeong Modern Street is a local landmark where visitors can feel the traces of this history and culture. It is lined with early modern buildings such as the former Hanil Bank (now the Ganggyeong History Museum), the Labor Union (now the Ganggyeong History and Culture Information Center), and Yeonsu Geonjae Pharmacy, making it a popular destination for retro-themed travel.
Behind the old Hanil Bank building, the Ganggyeong Gurakbu, styled like a drama set, houses a hotel, restaurant, and cafe, gaining popularity as a unique accommodation option.
Nearby Oknyeo Peak offers scenic views of the Geumgang River and the surrounding plains. The Ganggyeongsan Salt Literature Museum and the Mine Dari Bridge are also must-visit photo spots.
Another highlight of Nonsan is Sunshine Land, a multi-cultural complex offering various experiential activities such as military survival games, virtual reality (VR) experiences, and an indoor shooting range. Within Sunshine Land, the 1950 Studio, filming location for the dramas 'Jeongnyeoni' and 'Mr. Sunshine,' allows visitors to rent period costumes and immerse themselves in the world of the dramas.
Furthermore, to celebrate Family Month and Children's Day, Sunshine Land's 1950 Studio will host street performances from May 3rd to 6th, including a 1950 Squid Game role-playing event and children's shows for visitors.
◇ Taean: A Healing Getaway for Three Generations
Taean is a renowned destination blending natural ecological tourism, therapeutic spaces, and family-friendly content.
The Yeongmokhang Observatory, designed in the shape of a beach rose petal, offers a panoramic view of the West Sea and the Wonsan-Anmyeondo Bridge. At Kkotji Beach, visitors can enjoy the fine sandy beach, the red sunset, and the legendary Halmi (Grandmother) and Harabi (Grandfather) Rocks.
The Jurassic Museum is Korea's largest dinosaur-themed museum, exhibiting dinosaur fossils and large-scale models, making it particularly popular among children.
Cheongsan Arboretum is a relaxing space where art and nature harmonize, featuring the Mille Garden, Monet's Garden, and a maze park, with seasonal themed gardens and festivals.
The Taean Family Harmony Center is a family-friendly complex with facilities such as a swimming pool, science center, and climbing wall. A 'Sci-POP' exhibition is also being held until May 25th.
The Sinduri Coastal Dune is Korea's largest sand dune, offering an exotic landscape and serving as a prime ecological tourism site.
As a pet-friendly tourism city, Taean also offers various programs for visitors with dogs, such as 'Doggy Mudflat Experience' and 'Petness Mission Tour.'
In addition to these attractions, the AMC International Motor Festival, Korea's only outdoor motor show featuring national motorsport clubs, will be held at the Boryeong Mud Expo Plaza from May 3rd to 5th. The festival will include exhibitions, drift and gymkhana competitions, stunt bike shows, and various hands-on programs.
Hongseong will also host the Hongseong Historical Figures Festival from May 3rd to 4th around Hongju-eupseong Fortress, celebrating the figures of Manhae Han Yong-un and General Baekya Kim Jwa-jin.
Information on local festivals and tourist attractions can be found on the Chungnam Tourism website (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://tour.chungnam.go.kr/prog/theme/kor/sub01_03_04/list.do) and through the QR code in the May issue of Monthly Chungnam.
A provincial official stated, "In celebration of Family Month in May, various tourist attractions and festivals in Chungnam that can be enjoyed by three generations are waiting for you. We hope you create precious memories through a heartwarming trip in Chungnam."
Meanwhile, in connection with the Korea Tourism Organization's 'Month of Going to the Sea' campaign, 'Here We Go' and 'Nol Universe' are offering a 30,000 KRW discount coupon for accommodation bookings of 70,000 KRW or more and discounts on marine leisure products for seven cities and counties (Boryeong, Asan, Seosan, Dangjin, Seocheon, Hongseong, Taean). A Chungnam Tour Pass can further enhance your trip.
[Recommended Itineraries]
◇ Gongju: Seokjangni Paleolithic Festival (Seokjangni Prehistoric Museum) → Gongsanseong Fortress → Downtown Jemincheon Area (Former Gongju-eup Office → Na Tae-joo's Pulkkot Literary Museum → Gongju Hasuk Village → Gongju Jeil Church → Gongju Missionary House → Jungdong Catholic Church)
◇ Nonsan: Gwancheoksa Temple → Ganggyeong Modern Street (Ganggyeong Gurakbu → Hanil Bank → Ganggyeong Labor Union → Ganggyeong Yeonsu Geonjae Pharmacy → Ganggyeong Seonggyeol Church) → Oknyeo Peak → Ganggyeongsan Salt Literature Museum → Mine Dari Bridge → Sunshine Land
◇ Taean: Yeongmokhang Observatory → Kkotji Beach → Anmyeondo Jurassic Museum → Cheongsan Arboretum → Taean Family Harmony Center → Sinduri Coastal Dune
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