Forming part of South Jeolla Province, Yeonggwang is a small town and county renowned for its cultivation of yellow croaker fish. They famously spawn near the river mouth of Beopseongpo and are often purchased as gifts. Yeonggwang provides a convenient base for visiting the Birthplace of Baekje Buddhism and exploring the Baeksu Coastal Road’s dramatic landscapes.
Things to do in Yeonggwang
A short drive north-west of Yeonggwang is the Birthplace of Baekje Buddhism, which offers magnificent views across the Yellow Sea. The arrival of Buddhism in Baekje has been attributed to the monk Mirananta, who first set foot in Yeonggwang in 384 AD. In addition to the site’s photogenic pagoda, there is a small museum displaying artefacts dating back to the 4th century.
From the Birthplace of Baekje Buddhism, you can follow the Baeksu Coastal Road, which takes in dramatic cliffs, impressive rock formations and hidden coves. Stretching for around 17 kilometres along the Yellow Sea, it connects Giryong-ri and Seokgumi Village. A highlight of the route is Chilsanbawi Rock, which is particularly photogenic at sunset.
If you drive in the other direction from Yeonggwang, you’ll arrive at Bulgabsa, which is an ornate temple housing several gilded Buddhas. It’s famed for the red spider lilies that bloom in its surroundings in September, creating a brilliant carpet on the forest floor. A walking trail leads to the top of Bulgabsa’s mountain, which offers sweeping panoramas across the region.
Getting around Yeonggwang
Yeonggwang is just under two hours by public transport from Gwangju Airport, which has regular flights to Seoul and Jeju. Long-distance buses connect to Yeonggwang and travel throughout the town. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.