Baekma River & Nakwaam Rock
The Baekma River (백마강; map) is a historically significant segment of the Geum River that flows through Buyeo County. Overlooking this tranquil waterway is Nakwaam Rock, a dramatic cliff steeped in legend.
Both sites are deeply interwoven with the history of the Baekje, playing a role in the kingdom’s downfall.
Baekma River
The Baekma River (백마강; map) is a 16-kilometer segment of the Geum River that meanders through the heart of Buyeo County. Flowing from Cheonjeongdae in Hoam Village to Banjowon Village, it is characterized by gentle bends, fertile floodplains, and a rich historical landscape.
The river’s path shaped the agricultural and settlement patterns of Baekje, with its wide plains providing abundant resources for farming and trade. Its calm waters, navigable in ancient times, connected Baekje’s capital to regional and international trade routes, cementing its role as an artery of cultural and economic exchange.
History
The Baekma River was a lifeline for Baekje’s political, military, and cultural life. As the kingdom’s primary waterway, it linked the capital of Sabi (modern-day Buyeo) to neighboring regions and distant trading partners, including Japan and China. This allowed Baekje to thrive as a hub of commerce and culture, introducing advanced techniques in art, religion, and governance.
Cheonjeongdae (천정대; map), perched along the riverbanks, served as a meeting place where Baekje kings conferred with their advisors.
The river also bore witness to Baekje’s fall in 660 CE, when the Silla-Tang alliance launched a decisive assault on the kingdom. Three years later, it became the stage for the Battle of Baekgang (or Hakusukinoe), a dramatic naval confrontation where Baekje and its Japanese allies fought but failed to repel the invaders, marking the end of the kingdom.
Cultural and Scenic Value
Today the Baekma River remains a repository of myths and history. Along its course are landmarks that blend natural beauty with cultural heritage:
- Joryongdae (조룡대; map): A rocky outcrop associated with the legendary capture of a dragon by Tang general So Jeongbang during the conquest of Baekje. This site exemplifies the blending of history and folklore that defines the area.
- Gudeurae Sculpture Park (구드래조각공원; map): A contemporary attraction, this park celebrates local and historical artistry, connecting modern visitors to the region’s rich creative traditions.
- Waterfront Activities: The river sports tourist ferries and seasonal activities like canoeing and yachting.
Nakwaam Rock
Nakwaam Rock (낙화암; map) perches on the western edge of Buyeo’s Buso Mountain. According to lore, this cliff was the site where “Three Thousand Palace Women” leaped to their deaths during the fall of Baekje in 660 CE.
Facing the impending capture and dishonor at the hands of the Silla-Tang alliance, the women are said to have chosen death over subjugation, and leapt from the top of Nakwaam Rock and plunging into the Baekma River below.
The name Nakwaam, meaning “Falling Flower Rock,” poetically commemorates this act of sacrifice, likening the women to flowers drifting away in the wind.
While historians debate the accuracy of this account, the story has become a symbol of Baekje’s tragic fall, embodying themes of loyalty, resistance, and the sorrow of a lost kingdom.
Physical and Cultural Features
Nakwaam is a stunning geological formation, with Its steep cliff face plunging dramatically into the Baekma River.
At the top of the cliff stands Baekhwa Pavilion (백화정; map), a small structure built in 1929 to honor the women whose memory is tied to the rock. The pavilion offers panoramic vistas of the river and the surrounding landscape.
Below Nakwaam lies Goransa Temple (고란사; map), a serene Buddhist site near Goransa Spring. According to local legend, the spring’s water bestows rejuvenation, making it a site of spiritual significance.
Tourism and Access
Nakwaam is one of Buyeo’s most visited historical landmarks, with visitors drawn to its layered history and natural beauty.
- Viewing Options: Visitors can hike through the scenic trails of Buso Mountain to reach Nakwaam and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. Alternatively, river cruises along the Baekma River offer views of the cliff from below.
- Nearby Attractions: Nakwaam is part of a network of cultural and historical landmarks in Buyeo. Visitors can explore Buso Mountain Fortress, where the royal family once sought refuge, and nearby Goransa Temple. Other attractions include Gudeurae Sculpture Park, the Buyeo National Museum, and key UNESCO-listed sites such as the Jeongnimsa Temple and the Buyeo Royal Tombs.
