Buyeo (formerly Puyo) is both a town and a county, and it was the capital of Baekje Kingdom from A.D. 538 until its defeat by the Shilla in 660. Though today Buyeo is surrounded by farms, during its short reign it was a center of culture and art, and the town is proud of its heritage. Indeed, some of the sidewalks here are paved with tiles meant to replicate those used in neighboring royal tombs.

The mascot of this small city, which is nestled alongside the Geumgang (Geum River), is "Geumdongi," a cartoon version of a famous gilt-bronze incense burner from the Baekje Kingdom. It's just one example of the ways history pervades this place. For more information, check out the county's official site at www.buyeo.go.kr.