Iksan, human settlement in South Korea
Iksan is a city in North Jeolla Province surrounded by flat countryside and rice fields that stretch across the landscape. The cityscape shows a mix of historical remnants like the Mireuksa Temple with its ancient stone pagoda, modern buildings, and small colorful shops along quiet streets.
Iksan was the capital of the Baekje Kingdom in the 7th century under King Mu and served as a center of power with temples, palaces, and royal residences. The city's development was later shaped by the railway in the early 20th century, which made it an important transportation hub and transformed its economy.
Iksan was once the capital of the Baekje Kingdom and carries this historical significance into its present-day life. The city is known as 'The City of Jewelry', where artisans practice traditional craftsmanship and an annual jewelry festival celebrates local skills and gem-working traditions.
Iksan is easy to reach by train from Seoul, taking about one hour, or by bus in around three hours. Once there, you can use a local city tour bus or rent a car to explore the historical sites like Mireuksa, the museum, and other locations.
The Mireuksa Pagoda is the oldest stone pagoda in East Asia and displays craftsmanship from the 7th century. Additionally, Iksan is famous as a filming location for Korean dramas and movies, with a former school building converted into a film set for prison scenes where visitors can pose in historical costumes.
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