NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BUYEO

This very well done museum houses some national treasures found in the region and which are almost all related to the culture of Baekje. First of all, there is a hall dedicated to the specific prehistory of the region (Bronze Age and Iron Age). The second hall focuses on the period 538-660, when Buyeo (Sabi) was the capital of the Kingdom of Baekje. Another space highlights Buddhist art.

Among the treasures that can be found there are, for example, the very beautiful terracotta or ceramic tiles engraved with original motifs. We will also not fail to stop at a magnificent bronze perfume burner discovered by chance in 1993 during excavations near the royal tombs. It represents the Buddhist paradise decorated with birds and hermits, surmounted by a phoenix (the sky, the sun) and supported by an elegant dragon (the water, the moon). The lower part of the incense burner represents a lotus flower. This unique piece of incredible artistic mastery is said to date from the 6th century. There is also a very large stone pedestal in the shape of a lotus. Outside there are stupas and Buddhist remains. There are also some Joseon buildings that have been moved to this place. Not to be missed. In front of this very interesting museum, two or three antique dealers sell some interesting objects at prices that are less interesting.

It is advisable to visit this museum in parallel with the museum of Gyeongju, capital of Silla during the period of the Three Kingdoms.