(C) Ko Yong-Chul

A boat with a yellow sail slowly leaves the Gudeurae Dock. A river breeze blows, and the green forests of Mount Busosan unfold on both sides. This is the scenery of the Hwangpo Sailboat operating on the Baekma River in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province. An entirely different side of Buyeo—one you cannot see from the land—opens up on the water. As the closest way to encounter Sabi, the capital of Baekje from 1,400 years ago, the Hwangpo Sailboat has established itself as a representative travel course in Buyeo.

A Reconstruction Project Started as a Local Economic Policy

The Hwangpo Sailboat was promoted as part of a local economic policy project. After gathering opinions from various sectors, including cultural heritage experts, public officials, and residents, and holding discussion meetings, the final model design for construction was decided. In August 2006, a construction contract was signed with the Ancient Traditional Korean Ship Research Institute, and subsequently, two Hwangpo sailboats were built. A notable characteristic is that they replicated the shape of Baekje-period boats through historical research. The plan was to float traditional Korean wooden boats on the Baekma River to bring back the atmosphere of the ancient royal capital.

(C) Ko Yong-Chul

Two Boats Given the Names of Princess Seonhwa and Prince Seodong

The names of the two boats are 'Seonhwa-ho' and 'Seodong-ho'. They are derived from the story of Princess Seonhwa, the daughter of the 26th King Jinpyeong of Silla, and Prince Seodong, who later became the 30th King Mu of Baekje. These names honor the two figures widely known for their cross-border love story. The specifications of the boats are identical: 16.4 meters in length, 4.2 meters in width, a maximum capacity of 46 passengers, and speeds of up to 17 km/h.

Their appearances differ, however. Seodong-ho is a jeongjagakseon (pavilion-style boat). It features an upper deck on top of the traditional Hwangpo sailboat hull, with an engine and propeller housed in a sealed space beneath it. On the upper deck, a traditional Korean tiled pavilion is placed. The height of the pavilion is lower than that of land-based pavilions to enhance the boat's stability by increasing its righting capability. Seonhwa-ho is equipped with a wooden cabin. Its hull is similar to that of Seodong-ho, but it is designed so that passengers do not have to stay inside the cabin and can instead enjoy a cruise while feeling the river breeze.

The Prime 3.5 km Stretch, Where Famous Spots Line Up

The Baekma River refers to about a 16-km section of the Geum River stream, stretching from Beombawi rock and Cheonjeongdae in Jeongdong-ri, Buyeo-eup, to Banjowon-ri, Sedo-myeon. Around this waterway, historical sites and scenic spots abound, including Nakhwaam Cliff, Joryongdae, Busan and Daejegak, Yeotbawi and Jaondae, Jeongam and Yowoldaeji, Hwangbawi and Dunamjin, Imgangsaji, Hieodeae, and Pajinsan Mountain.

The Hwangpo Sailboat operates back and forth along a 3.5 km section from Subukjeong to Gudeurae and Goransa, which is considered the prime highlight among them. There are three piers on the Baekma River: Gudeurae, Goransa, and Subukjeong. When you arrive at the Gudeurae Pier, the yellow sail is the first thing that catches your eye. A wide sail made of cotton fabric boiled and dyed in loess water adds to the beauty of the boat. While the exterior is restored to its original ancient appearance, the interior is equipped with convenience and safety facilities to enhance safety.

(C) Ko Yong-Chul

From a Means of Transportation to a Stage for Travel

In the past, these boats served as a means of transportation to cross the river. Now, they have become a tourism course to experience the scenery of the Baekma River and the history of Baekje up close. As the boat leaves the pier, the scenery changes gradually. Gliding smoothly over the calm waves, time seems to flow more slowly on the boat. Although the operating time is not long—around 40 to 50 minutes—the scenery continuously changes, leaving no room for boredom. Many visitors recall that putting down their cameras for a moment and simply looking at the river and forests remains a long-lasting memory.

Viewing Buyeo from the waterway is truly special. When you realize that countless people must have traveled this river in the past as well, the cruise naturally turns into an experience stepping back into history. Looking at the cliffs of Mount Busosan and the green forests, you can vaguely understand why Baekje chose this place as its capital.

A Route Connecting Goransa Temple, Nakhwaam Cliff, and Busosanseong Fortress

The greatest advantage of the Hwangpo Sailboat is that you can explore Buyeo's representative attractions in a single flow. When you get off at the Goransa Pier, you can take a slow walk to Goransa Temple, an ancient temple of Baekje. Climbing a little further leads you to Nakhwaam Cliff, which holds the poignant history of Baekje. From there, the walking trail of Busosanseong Fortress continues. Because you can tie the Baekma River and historical ruins into a single course without having to move your car multiple times, travel efficiency is high.

There are many attractions in Buyeo, such as Gungnamji Pond, Busosanseong Fortress, and Jeongnimsa Temple Site. However, for travelers who want to experience the Baekma River most intimately, few choices compare to the Hwangpo Sailboat. This is because the Baekma River, Busosanseong Fortress, Goransa Temple, and Nakhwaam Cliff are connected like a single story.

(C) Ko Yong-Chul

Information for Visitors: From Children to Seniors

The Hwangpo Sailboat can be enjoyed comfortably by anyone of any age. For children, it is a fun boating experience; for adults, it offers leisure to appreciate the scenery while reflecting on the history of Baekje. It also boasts high satisfaction as a family outing course to enjoy with parents.

The boarding dock is located at 72 Naruteo-ro, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, South Chungcheong Province, and operates year-round without closing days. Operations generally run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and until 4:00 PM in the winter season. It operates on an on-site ticketing system rather than reservations, departing whenever passengers gather. The round-trip fare is around 11,000 KRW for adults. The exclusive parking lot for the dock and the public parking lot can be used free of charge. Operating hours and fares are subject to change, so checking prior to your visit is necessary.

Rekindling the Ambition of the People of Baekje

The Baekma River is a river that the people of Baekje gazed upon long ago, and it still flows quietly, embracing the time of Buyeo. The purpose of the Hwangpo Sailboat reconstruction project was clear: to let people today feel the grand ambitions and ideals of the Baekje people, who dominated international maritime trade in East Asia 1,400 years ago. The moment the boat with its yellow sail passes over the river, that purpose is already half achieved. Instead of a trip just checking off destinations, a journey that lets you experience the scenery and time of an era together is possible right here on the Baekma River.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]