Where Gunsan's name comes from: the mountains in its name float on the sea

The mountains in its name actually float on the sea

In Gunsan, gun (群) means group and san (山) means mountain. Together, they mean a place where mountains gather in a group.

But here's the interesting part: those mountains aren't on land. The mountains in the name are islands floating on the sea, the Gogunsan Islands. Some 60 islands are scattered like stars, so from afar they really do look like a mountain range lying on the water.

It's a city where mountains, sea and islands overlap like an ink-wash painting. That's why Gunsan's scenery feels somehow quiet and a little distant.

If you want to go yourself

• Gogunsan Islands — A family-friendly spot where you can dig for clams and other seafood on the vast tidal flats of Sinsido, the largest island in the Gogunsan Islands, and feel the sea's vitality up close
• Gunsan Lee Sung Dang — Korea's oldest bakery, a landmark that draws visitors from all over the country year-round for its signature red bean bread and vegetable bread

We've gathered more Gunsan stories and routes in the Gunsan travel guide.