What are the weekday operating hours for the Iksan Mireuksaji Children's Museum?

The Iksan Mireuksaji Children's Museum is open on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 3:50 PM during March-June and September-December. From January-February and July-August, weekday hours are 10:00 AM to 4:50 PM. The maintenance break is from 11:50 AM to 1:30 PM.

What is the significance of the Iksan Mireuksaji Stone Pagoda in Korea?

The Iksan Mireuksaji Stone Pagoda is National Treasure No. 11, renowned as the oldest and largest stone pagoda remaining in Korea. It demonstrates the exceptional skill of Baekje artisans who ingeniously translated wooden architectural styles into stone.

How were the East and West Pagodas of Iksan Mireuksaji restored?

The West Pagoda underwent an extensive 20-year restoration, removing the cement applied during the Japanese colonial period and bringing it remarkably close to its original form. The East Pagoda was perfectly restored using modern technology in the 1990s, and visitors can even go inside it.

Where is the Seowon Geumdang Site located within the Iksan Mireuksaji complex, and what are its characteristics?

The Seowon Geumdang Site is a spacious building foundation located in the western part of the Mireuksaji complex, directly behind the National Treasure West Pagoda. Mireuksaji is unique for having had main halls (Geumdang) in three distinct locations: west, center, and east.

Iksan Mireuksa Stone Pagoda 2026: Baekje History for…

Starting a family trip becomes a bit more challenging once the kids hit their teenage years, doesn't it? So, when we do travel, we aim for something truly meaningful. That's why we chose Iksan Mireuksa Temple Site for our latest adventure. Ready to embark on a fascinating journey into Baekje history with your family?

Iksan Mireuksa Stone Pagoda

Address: 98-2 Giyang-ri, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do

📍 Iksan Mireuksa Stone Pagoda
98-2 Giyang-ri, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province

Ever wondered what makes the Iksan Mireuksa Stone Pagoda so special? It's far more than just an ancient stone tower.

This isn't just any old structure; it's National Treasure No. 11, the oldest and largest stone pagoda remaining in Korea. You can't help but marvel at the incredible skill of Baekje artisans who managed to recreate wooden architectural styles in stone. Though originally believed to be a nine-story pagoda, only six stories remain today, yet its grandeur is still absolutely breathtaking.

One great thing about Iksan Mireuksa Temple Site is the convenient parking right by the entrance. You won't have to walk far after getting out of your car, which is a big plus, especially with kids!

I personally parked right behind the Iksan Mireuksa Children's Museum for easy access.

Iksan Mireuksa Children's Museum

The Children's Museum at the National Iksan Museum is designed primarily for kids aged 7-10. It’s an interactive space where children and their guardians can explore and learn together.

If you're traveling with little ones, this is definitely a must-visit spot!

Operating Hours

10:00 AM - 4:50 PM (Weekends, Holidays)

10:00 AM - 3:50 PM (Weekdays, March-June, September-December)

10:00 AM - 4:50 PM (Weekdays, January-February, July-August)

Maintenance Break

11:50 AM - 1:30 PM

Reservations & Inquiries

+82-63-830-0950

Iksan Mireuksa Temple Site

As you approach the entrance to Mireuksa Temple Site, you'll see an informative sign. The phrases "Baekje's largest temple site" and "UNESCO World Heritage" immediately evoke a sense of awe and wonder. You can even scan a QR code for more detailed explanations.

According to the ancient text Samguk Yusa, King Mu of Baekje and his queen were on their way to Saja Temple when three Maitreya Buddhas appeared from a pond. The king then filled the pond and built this temple. Imagine telling your kids:

"This very ground we're standing on used to be a huge pond!

King Mu filled it with stones to create this magnificent temple."

Such a story is sure to spark their imaginations!

As you gaze at the two remaining pagodas (the East and West Pagodas), it's a wonderful opportunity to explain to your children, "There were originally three pagodas here, including a grand wooden pagoda in the center!" This helps them visualize the site's truly magnificent past.

Baekje was a vibrant cultural hub in ancient Asia. They masterfully adopted elements from China, refined them, and then introduced them to Japan. Structures like the Mireuksa Stone Pagoda, which transformed wooden architectural styles into stone, or Baekje's unique temple designs, are clear testaments to their incredible creativity and innovation.

While you're at Mireuksa Temple Site, a visit to the National Iksan Museum with your kids is definitely in order!

Iksan Mireuksa Stone Pagoda: The West Pagoda

After an extensive, 20-year restoration process, the West Pagoda has finally been returned to us, standing proud!

Looking at the photos of the Mireuksa Stone Pagoda's restoration process, you can truly grasp just how much it had been damaged over time.

The West Pagoda, which had been crudely covered in cement during the Japanese colonial period, has been meticulously restored to be as close to its original form as possible.

The blend of old and new stones beautifully tells the story of time's passage.

The East Pagoda

This pagoda was completely restored using modern techniques in the 1990s. It's fascinating to compare it with the West Pagoda and imagine what the entire temple complex must have looked like in its full glory centuries ago!

You can even venture inside the pagoda!

Make sure to capture photos comparing the West and East Pagodas!

Seowon Geumdang Site

This site is located in the western section of the Mireuksa Temple grounds, right behind the West Pagoda (Seotap), which is the National Treasure most visitors come to see.

A Geumdang (main hall) was the most important and sacred space within a Buddhist temple, serving as the central worship hall where the principal Buddha statue was enshrined and rituals were performed. Mireuksa Temple was unique, featuring three Geumdang halls: one in the west, one in the center, and one in the east. The Seowon Geumdang Site marks the location of the westernmost of these halls. Although only the foundation and cornerstones remain, archaeological excavations have allowed us to accurately understand the building's original scale and structure. Encouraging your children to imagine what once stood here can be a fantastic learning experience!

After exploring the Iksan Mireuksa Stone Pagoda, we headed over to the National Iksan Museum.

I'll share more about the National Iksan Museum in my next post!

Our Family's Verdict

Witnessing the magnificent Iksan Mireuksa Stone Pagoda firsthand and experiencing the history of Baekje, reflected in its incredible wooden architectural techniques, was truly profound. I believe it will create unforgettable memories and a sense of pride for our children, too.

In my next post, I'll delve deeper into the National Iksan Museum, which captivated our kids, and share more about the dazzling reliquaries discovered there!