
Explore recommended attractions for cruise visitors to Seosan.
Discover the attractions that best represent Seosan.
Considered the most important pilgrimage site as the site of Catholic persecution. Pope Francis visited in August 2014, and it was declared an 'International Shrine' approved by the Vatican in November 2020. Among domestic Catholic shrines, it is where thousands of Catholic believers were martyred—the highest number—and there is a small memorial hall behind the cathedral modeled after the martyrs' tombs.
Haemi Eupseong FortressLink to page
Constructed as a military camp fortress in the early Joseon Dynasty, it is the best-preserved flatland fortress among the walled towns of the Joseon era. It is also the site of the Catholic persecution during the late Joseon period, attracting many pilgrims every year, and was visited by Pope Francis in 2014. Selected as one of the Korea Tourism Organization's "100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea" and "100 Must-Visit Night Spots," the Seosan Haemi Eupseong Festival, Seosan City's representative festival, is held here every October.
Famous for its beautiful sunsets that paint the sea red, Ganwolam is a mystical place that becomes an island when the tide comes in and returns to land when the tide goes out. It is named Ganwolam because it is said that Great Master Muhak, the royal preceptor of King Taejo Yi Seong-gye of Joseon, attained enlightenment here while gazing at the moon.
Rock-carved Buddha Triad in SeosanLink to page
This rock-carved Buddha from the late Baekje period is a work that reveals its true value in harmony with light, as the Buddha's smile subtly changes depending on the direction of the light. A standing Shakyamuni Buddha is carved in the center, a standing Jihwagala Bodhisattva on the left, and a Maitreya Bodhisattva in a contemplative pose on the right.
Gaesimsa TempleLink to page
Gaeimsa Temple, considered one of the four major temples in South Chungcheong Province, reveals itself as you climb along beautiful mountain paths, valleys, and stone steps heavily shaded by trees. At Gaeimsa, a temple where you ascend with an open heart, let us enjoy the beautiful scenery and momentarily forget the worries of the secular world.
Seosan Hanwoo RanchLink to page
Seosan Hanwoo Ranch, where herds of Hanwoo cattle grazing leisurely on vast pastures create an exotic landscape, is also known as the "Little Alps of Korea." It is famous for the cherry blossoms blooming along the ridges of the pastures in spring and the beautiful scenery of Yongbi Reservoir within the ranch.
Samgilpo PortLink to page
Known as a beautiful port on the West Coast, Samgilpo Port is located west of the Daeho Embankment. Upon arriving here, the salty scent of the sea stings the nose. Cruise ships and fishing boats floating on the water, seagulls soaring between the blue sky and sea, and the red lighthouse guarding the sea 365 days a year boast a beautiful scenery.
Seosan BirdlandLink to page
This is a migratory bird ecological park established to systematically conserve and manage Seosan Cheonsuman Bay, famous as a world-class migratory bird sanctuary, and to revitalize experience- and education-centered ecotourism. It collects and exhibits specimens of over 200 species and consists of a 4D theater, nest observatory, forest playground, and outdoor performance stage.
Dongbu MarketLink to page
As Seosan's representative traditional market, it boasts the largest scale in the northwestern part of Chungnam. It is connected to the Seosan Public Bus Terminal, making it very convenient to use, and you can confidently purchase fresh and diverse agricultural and marine products at affordable prices. You can also experience the warm market culture, including the lives of ordinary people and the generous hospitality of Seosan.
Yu Gibang HouseLink to page
Famous for its daffodils, Yu Gi-bang House is well-known as a filming location for dramas, befitting its status as a famous attraction. Although it is a small-scale Hanok consisting of the main house and servant quarters, the charming and picturesque scenery contained within is enough to captivate the heart. The daffodils blooming clustered together beneath the walls of the Hanok create a beautiful spring painting.
Ungdo Fishing Village ExperienceLink to page
Ungdo Village boasts diverse scenery depending on the time of day, as it is sometimes connected to the mainland and other times becomes an island village depending on the tide. Formed around Garolim Bay, one of the world's top five tidal flats, it is rich in ecological resources. Ungdo's specialties include octopus, Manila clams, oysters, and laver.