Gongju is located almost in the center of Chungcheongnam-do, about 140km from Seoul. It was the capital of Baekje from 475 until it was moved to Buyeo in 538. Every October, the Baekje Cultural Festival, one of the three major cultural festivals in Korea, is held in Gongju and Buyeo-gun.
Gongsanseong Fortress, from the Baekje Dynasty, was originally an earthen fortress, but was remodeled into the stone fortress we see today during the reign of King Seonjo and King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty. It is also lit up at night, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of Baekje at night. The nearby Songsan-ri Tombs contain seven historical sites, including the Tomb of King Muryeong, the 25th king of Baekje.
Located in the southeastern part of Gongju, Gyeryongsan Mountain was named after the shape of the mountain's ridge, which resembles the shape of a dragon wearing a cockscomb on its head. It is known for its beautiful scenery as well as its good fortune in terms of feng shui.
In 2015, the Baekje Historic Area, Gongsanseong Fortress and Songsan-ri Tombs were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
