Buyeo
Located in the south of Chungcheongnam-do, Buyeo was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Baekje. Today it's a city of historical and cultural importance, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage City.
How to get there
By train: From Seoul, you can take the KTX from Yongsan Station and ride for about 1 hour and 35 minutes to Nonsan Station. Ticket prices start from about 28,100 won. From Nonsan Station, you'll need to take the #701 bus and ride for 42 stops, which takes about 36 minutes, and get off at Buyeo Middle School bus stop.
By bus: From Seoul Nambu Terminal take an intercity bus and ride for between 2 hours to 2.5 hours to Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal. Journey times vary depending on traffic and whether the driver stops at a rest stop along the way, so the journey back to Seoul was about 2 hours without a break at a rest stop. It's also a bit cheaper than taking the train, with ticket prices starting at around 18,900 won. This was actually how I travelled to Buyeo and I found the journey to be quite simple and efficient. The seats are also quite comfortable so it's easy to nap and make the journey go faster.
Where to stay
So if you are now considering a well-deserved break in Buyeo, I can recommend staying a Healing House Peakjang. I think there is a difference between the name this accommodation has been given online compared to here in Korea, as when I was looking for it I couldn't find a building called 'Healing House Peakjang'. The sign on the building actually says '피크잠모텔' (Peakjam Motel), so if you see this you know you're in the right place. It's an easy 8 minute walk from Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal, so it's actually in a pretty central location.
This motel is located on a quiet road surrounded by a few apartment buildings and restaurants, and you are within walking distance of a convenience store. Buyeo is a small city and honestly public transport isn't very frequent, so you'll find yourself walking a lot or taking a taxi if you're travelling a long distance.
Depending on your requirements, you can reserve anything from a single room to a family room. As a solo traveller I naturally booked a single room but I did have a double bed. The room and furnishings are quite simple and a little old, so the appearance may not be what you're used to if you usually stay in a modern hotel room, but everything was clean and usable. The room includes basic facilities like a mini fridge, hairdryer, toiletries and towels, and there is a TV. There is also an air conditioning unit to keep you comfortable during hot weather. There is also free wifi in each room although I will admit that it's a tad unreliable at times. My room was on the second floor and it was generally quiet, aside from a little noise from the next room or upstairs. Regardless, I slept really well each night. The host speaks English really well and she is very kind, making every effort to make you feel comfortable and welcome.
If you'd like further information on this hotel, you can check it out on booking.com.
Things to do in Buyeo
