Introduction to Major Local Tourist Attractions
Chungnam Province, in celebration of the '2025-2026 Chungnam Visit Year,' is operating the 'Monthly Chungnam' campaign, which introduces local attractions by selecting a new tourism theme each month. On April 29, the province announced the family-themed tourist destinations for the May edition of Monthly Chungnam.
The May issue of Monthly Chungnam, under the theme 'The Gift of Time Together' for Family Month, introduces major tourist attractions in Gongju, Nonsan, and Taean where families can travel together and create meaningful memories.
The 'Family Month Tourist Attractions' for May are characterized by a balanced offering of history and cultural experiences, eco-tourism, and family-oriented content, allowing visitors to choose travel options that suit the preferences of each generation.
◆ Gongju: A City Always Radiant
Gongju is a city that preserves stories from the Paleolithic era to modern times, making it a popular destination for multi-generational memory trips. The Seokjangni Museum, the site of Korea's first Paleolithic excavation, will host the 'Seokjangni Paleolithic Festival' from May 3 to 6, featuring a variety of programs including hands-on activities, performances, and exhibitions.
Gongsanseong Fortress, the royal castle during the Baekje Ungjin period (475-538), is one of the Baekje heritage sites listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the fortress walls offers a panoramic view of Gongju, and the Jeomicheon area in the old downtown features preserved modern buildings such as Jungdong Catholic Church (built in 1897), the former Gongju Town Office, Gongju First Church, and the Pulkkot Literature Museum, allowing visitors to enjoy a journey through time.
In particular, the former Gongju Town Office, built in 1923, has served as the Chungnam Financial Cooperative Association, Gongju Town Office, and Gongju City Hall. The four cylindrical columns at the entrance create a symmetrical balance, exemplifying the typical architectural style of modern government offices. It is now operated as an exhibition space showcasing the modern daily life of Gongju, preserving its cultural heritage value.
◆ Nonsan: Where Past and Present Coexist
Nonsan is a region with diverse attractions, ranging from Buddhist cultural heritage to modern sensibilities and experiential content. Gwanchoksa Temple is home to the Eunjin Mireuk, the largest stone Buddha statue in East Asia and a national treasure, where visitors can admire the grand stone Maitreya Bodhisattva and other historic cultural properties.
Located in the lower reaches of the Geum River, Ganggyeong was once one of the three largest markets during the Joseon Dynasty and later became a center for commerce, education, and religious culture including Christianity and Catholicism. The Ganggyeong Modern Street is a local attraction where visitors can trace the footprints of this history and culture, with a concentration of modern buildings such as the former Hanil Bank (now Ganggyeong History Museum), the former Labor Union (now Ganggyeong History and Culture Information Center), and the Yeonsu Gunjae Pharmacy, making it a rising destination for retro-themed travel.
Behind the old Hanil Bank building, the Ganggyeong Club, designed like a drama set, features a hotel, restaurant, and cafe, making it a popular place to stay. Nearby, Oknyubong Peak offers scenic views of the Geum River and surrounding plains, and the Ganggyeongsan Salt Literature Museum and Minae Bridge are also must-visit photo spots.
Another attraction in Nonsan, Sunshine Land, is a multi-cultural complex offering a variety of experiences such as military survival games, virtual reality (VR) experiences, and a screen shooting range. At the 1950 Studio, a filming location for the dramas 'Jeongnyeoni' and 'Mr. Sunshine,' visitors can dress in period costumes and experience becoming a character from the shows.
In celebration of Family Month and Children's Day, Sunshine Land's 1950 Studio will host street performances for visitors, including the 1950 Squid Game Role-Playing and children's performances, from May 3 to 6.
◆ Taean: A Healing Destination for Three Generations
Taean is a destination that combines eco-tourism, emotional healing spaces, and family-oriented content. From the Yeongmokhang Observatory, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the West Sea and the Wonsan-Anmyeon Bridge from a structure shaped like a Rosa rugosa petal. At Kkotji Beach, visitors can experience the fine white sand, the crimson sunset, and the legendary Halmi and Halabi Rocks.
The Jurassic Museum, Korea's largest dinosaur-themed museum, displays dinosaur fossils and large models, making it especially popular with children. Cheongsan Arboretum offers a relaxing space where art and nature blend, with themed gardens and festivals held throughout the seasons, including Millet Garden, Monet's Water Garden, and Maze Garden.
The Taean Family Empathy Center is a family-oriented multi-cultural complex with facilities such as a swimming pool, science center, and climbing wall, and is currently hosting the 'Sci-POP' exhibition until May 25.
The Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune, Korea's largest sand dune, is a representative eco-tourism site where visitors can experience exotic landscapes.
In addition, as a pet-friendly tourism city, Taean offers various programs for visitors with dogs, such as the 'Daengdaengi Mudflat Experience' and the 'Petness Mission Tour.'
Meanwhile, at the Boryeong Mud Expo Plaza, the AMC International Motor Festival, Korea's only outdoor motor show with participation from nationwide motorsports clubs, will be held for three days from May 3 to 5. The festival will feature exhibitions, drift and gymkhana competitions, stunt bike contests, and a variety of hands-on programs.
In Hongseong, the Hongseong Historical Figures Festival, themed around Manhae Han Yongun and General Baekya Kim Jwajin, will be held for two days from May 3 to 4 in the area around Hongju Eupseong Fortress.
An official from the province said, "In celebration of Family Month this May, a variety of tourist attractions and festivals in Chungnam await you, where three generations can enjoy together," adding, "We hope you will create precious memories through heartwarming journeys in Chungnam."
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