Byeokgolje

A family trip to Korea's ancient reservoir, Byeokgolje

Located in Sinyong-ri, Buryang-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeonbuk State, Byeokgolje is the oldest reservoir in Korean history and a precious historic site where your kids can enjoy a special experience of both history and nature alongside its vast plains.

The history and significance of Byeokgolje

• Byeokgolje is Korea's first and largest ancient reservoir, originally built during the Three Kingdoms period.
• According to the Samguk Sagi, it was first created in the 21st year of King Heulhae of Silla, in 330, but it is considered more likely to have been established during the Baekje period, in the 27th year of King Biryu.
• It was continuously repaired and expanded through the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon periods, and in 1963 it was designated Historic Site No. 111 and has been preserved ever since.
• Byeokgolje is more than just an agricultural reservoir. It is an important cultural heritage site that shows the remarkable civil engineering and water management technology of ancient Korea.

What remains of Byeokgolje today

• Along with a straight embankment about 3 km long, some of the original sluice gate structures remain, including the stone pillars of Jangsaenggeo and Gyeongjanggeo, so you can see ancient engineering with your children firsthand.
• The water control structures and stone pillars make it easier to explain the lives and wisdom of earlier generations in a way children can understand.

Things to do and see at Byeokgolje

• Byeokgolje Village offers a variety of rural and traditional experience programs.
  • Harvesting crops such as sweet potatoes and mushrooms in the fields
  • Family activities such as kite flying, rice cake cake making, and rice pizza making
• You can also try traditional games such as riding an old-style swing and playing tuho.
• There is a hanok stay inside Byeokgolje, so an overnight stay experience is also possible.
• There are many different paid experiences, including woodworking and straw craft programs, that are great to enjoy with children.
• Right in front of the ticket office, there is a bicycle rental shop where you can rent a bike for free by leaving your ID.
• There is a wide lawn where children can run and play freely.
• It is also nice to visit together with the Byeokgolje Agricultural Culture Museum and the Byeokgolje Agricultural History Theme Hall next door.
• There is a dedicated parking lot, and it is spacious, making parking convenient.

Visitor information

• Location: 442 Byeokgolje-ro, Buryang-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeonbuk State
• Hours
  • Summer season, March to October: 09:00 to 18:00
  • Winter season, November to February: 09:00 to 17:00
• Closed: Every Monday, January 1
• Admission
  1. Adults: 3,000 won
  2. Teenagers and military personnel: 2,000 won
  3. Children: 1,000 won (group discounts available)
• During the summer season, there are also night hours from 18:00 to 22:00.

Recommended points

1. The open plain and ancient reservoir give children the perfect place to run around and enjoy nature.
2. Your whole family can enjoy a history trip by seeing and learning directly about ancient water facilities and farming culture.
3. The many hands-on programs and the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons make this a wonderful place for photos and family memories.

"Byeokgolje is more than a simple historic site. It is a special place where you and your children can fully experience Korea's roots, scientific technology, and beautiful nature."