Befitting a city famous for its plump chestnuts, Gongju was dyed a natural dark brown in November.
Gongju in Chungcheongnam-do Province embodies the words “secluded” and “quiet” better than any other city.
The autumn breeze, which slightly cools the tip of the nose, and the autumn leaves,
which flutter like cherry blossoms, work together in harmony to create a comfortable and quiet feeling all around.

Lone travelers who feel a slight chill in their ribs from the unexpectedly cold weather should consider this Gongju trip.
That is because I have prepared an itinerary for Gongju’s autumn tour that can be enjoyed with just one bicycle ride with a close friend.

A Romantic Hanok Where the Moonlit Night of Baekje Shines Softly

A Korea Quality Certified Accommodation in Gongju

Hongwhikwan

Hongwhikwan, a Korea quality (KQ)-certified accommodation,
is a five-minute walk from the Gongsanseong Fortress.
It is conveniently accessible from major tourist attractions such as the Geumgang River
and the Tomb of King Muryeong, boasting excellent accessibility for first-time Gongju visitors.
Restaurants that sell delicious set menus and cafés with a youthful sensibility selling custard donuts
with chestnuts can also be found in every alley, so it is recommended to take a leisurely stroll around the accommodation.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of Hongwhikwan, in my opinion,
is that it is a lodging where you can enjoy both traditional and relaxing experiences.
In Hongwhikwan’s front yard, there are play tools to allow visitors to experience traditional games such as tuho (arrow-throwing);
you can also rent a bicycle and take a leisurely stroll around nearby tourist attractions.
Traveling by bicycle in Gongju’s calm and secluded
downtown area without anyone hastening your steps will fill you with enthusiasm, healing you with each step on the pedal.

I took off my shoes and entered the accommodation,
where the cool scent of wood and red clay welcomed me.
It was not a fragrance produced by a diffuser or perfume but a pleasant scent of life that naturally permeated
throughout the accommodation while remaining in the same area,
creating a sense of intimacy as though I were entering a relative’s house in the countryside.
This place, where elementary school students visiting Gongju’s tourist attractions are said to stay in groups,
has a kitchen and living room where everyone can gather and dine together,
so it also seemed sufficient to spend time separately and together.

The guest room was large enough to accommodate 2–3 adults.
Even though the lights were not turned on,
rays of sunlight scattered along the wooden lattice of the windows subtly illuminated the room.
The scent of soft cotton wafted up from the cleanly folded white comforter as if it had been well-dried by the autumn mountain breeze.
In addition, the furniture with a calm wooden tone caught my eye,
and even though I only stayed there for a short time, my mind, preoccupied with my busy daily life, seemed much more stable.
I thought this might be the ‘impression of staying’ provided by a KQ-certified accommodation.

The restrooms are kept clean and up to date so that children can use them comfortably,
as befits a venue that also acts as a lodging for elementary school group field tours.
The terrace on the second floor, which is currently under renovation,
is a popular space for visitors to relax and enjoy the nearby town’s scenery.
It was also a venue that made me eager to see how beautiful the night view could be when the lights were turned on.

Hongwhikwan always greets its visitors with a bright and friendly face,
like a smiling roof tile in a yard and a Hahoe mask hanging on a wall.
A day spent in this venue, where you will be surprised by the range of things to enjoy and the warm hospitality,
will undoubtedly be the highlight of your autumn season.
Why not take another warm and cozy break with the memories of your trip to be made in Gongju,
where Baekje’s legacy rests?

Gongsanseong Fortress, Where You Can Enjoy the History of Baekje
and the Beautiful Autumn Scenery of Gongju

Gongsanseong Fortress offers the perfect walking path,
complete with autumn flowers and leaves in perfect harmony.
It was built during the Baekje period and called the “Ungjinseong Fortress;”
it then came to have its current name Gongsanseong Fortress after the Goryeo period.
Built to protect Gongju, which served as the capital until it was moved to Buyeo,
the Gongsanseong Fortress has evolved over the years into a proud cultural asset
and a reliable neighborhood park for residents.

Although the trail along the wall has a slight incline in each section,
it is popular with tourists visiting Gongju since there are many good locations
where you can look down on the panoramic view of the city as you ascend.
If you visit in autumn, which is perfect for hiking,
you can experience a more romantic setting with the mountain scenery covered with vermilion foliage.

Cuddle up in Nature’s Bosom!

Gongju Metasequoia Road, Soaking up the Vibrant Autumn Colors

If you have to choose one site you must visit before the autumn leaves fall,
that is the Gongju Metasequoia Road.
This is because while the promenade along the river
and the silver grass forest nearby are beautiful enough,
this tree-lined avenue, which makes you exclaim as soon as you arrive,
complements the autumn leaves.
Since it is an attraction spread through word-of-mouth,
there were tourists taking pictures one after the other,
even towards the sunset, which caught my attention.

The promenade is not long, so rather than rushing past the scenery,
it is advisable to take your time, slowly look around, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the secluded Gongju.
It is also a great pleasure to sit on a bench along the road, facing the river with your back to the trees,
looking at the silver grass swaying under the autumn sun.

Gongju Hanok Village, Where Composure and a Relaxing Break Await

Some may ask why you should travel all the way to Gongju to see the Hanok Village,
which is easily accessible in Seoul along with other tourist destinations.
The panoramic view of the Gongju Hanok Village, however, is filled with the feeling of leisure and relaxation,
with the smell of burning firewood wafting in from afar, friendly dialect tickling your ears,
calming autumn leaves, willow leaves spreading out in front of you, with cozy, tile-roofed houses.

Gongju Hanok Village is familiar, but I would like to evaluate it as a place that makes you reflect on the value
of things you have forgotten about without realizing it.
Every trivial landscape conveyed by the friendly scenery, including cats playing in groups without avoiding people,
the color of the autumn sunset, a slide with maple leaves, and a rope swing that goes up high enough to reach the sky,
guides us to relax, tensed up from city lives, and gradually melt into a peaceful rest.
Don’t miss out on a visit if you are a traveler looking for a feeling of deep relaxation, even if only for a short time.

A Restaurant Known for its Delicious Food in the Gongju Sansung Market

A Hearty Meal Enjoyed at a Reasonable Price

Delicious Meat

It is a favorite among university students and residents living nearby for its affordable prices and generous portions.
They serve skin-on pork belly and blade-end fatback as their main dishes,
and the owner and his wife grill the meat themselves and notify you when the dishes are ready,
so all you have to do is dine comfortably.
The restaurant is located within the market, and there is also a trail along the Jemincheon Stream nearby,
so it is perfect for some light sightseeing across the town after dinner.

In Gongju, everything moves at a slower pace.
I believe it is the ideal destination for those seeking a getaway
from their hectic daily lives to enjoy the passing autumn season at their leisure.
I recommend that you take in the charms of Gongju,
a modest travel destination rich in diversity, from its food to its sights.