<Janggyeongsa in Namhansanseong, Gwangju>

The Sad Story of a Temple in Dongmun

The mountain fortress made with stones does not serve as a stronghold any more but gives a scenic beauty in the nature. Namhansanseong that is stretched in Gwangju, Hanam and Seongnam has the circumference of 12km, providing the ideal walk. It is said that there were nine temples in Namhansanseong, but only Mangweolsa, Janggyeongsa and Gaewonsa remain. Mangweolsa and Janggyeongsa are located near Dongmun where the maple leaves are beautiful.

After visiting Mangweolsa, I drove to Janggyeongsa. The road to get to Janggyeongsa is a great driveway. The autumn view of the driveway is like a scene of a movie. It is the autumn version of the film “One Fine Spring Day.” Instead of scattering cherry blossom overlapped with an old lady in beautiful Hanbok on a fine spring day, leaves were scattered like blossom.

The yard of Janggyeongsa was covered with yellow leaves of gingko, and it was a beautiful day of the late fall. Phrases on four pillars of Janggyeongsa said, “Do not make evil behaviors, do good works, purify your spirit and these are the teachings of Buddha.” There was Gyeongtong (mani wheel) by Daewungjeon, and Gyeongtong houses the Sutras. I turned the wheel. It is said that turning the wheel once is like accumulating virtuous deeds. There were countless tags with wishes at the temple as the college entrance examination approached.

A Friendship of a Boy and a Monk
There is a sad story about Janggyeongsa. The temple was built by Geumdanseonsa to commend a mother and a son who died miserably to god.

Mubyeong is the name of a boy who made a friendship with Geumdanseonsa. As a cheerful boy, Mubyeong was loved by Geumdanseonsa. Mubyeong did not visit him for days, and he went to the village to meet Mubyeong. He heard that Mubyeong’s mother was taken for the worse and Mubyeong had to look for herbs. Mubyeong asked him to take care of his mother, but he said, “I can look for them faster. Take care of mom, and I will meet you after a week.”

Three days later, Mubyeong’s mother died. He returned with the prescribed herbs, but he could not meet Mubyeong. With a sense of foreboding, he went to the village only to hear that Mubyeong also died from grief.

Geumdanseonsa built a shrine at the site where Mubyeong died, and prayed for the repose of their souls every day. One day, a deer came and looked at him with clear eyes like Mubyeong for a long time. He named the shrine as Janggyeongsa. The name of the temple means a long happiness, and he named the temple with a fervent prayer for eternal happiness of Mubyeong and his mother. The Chinese character “Jang” means that the status of sustained happiness. It is said that the wooden statue disappeared when Geumdanseonsa died.

There were many statues of child monks at the stairway of the temple. I guess they symbolized pure smile of Mubyeong.

[Tourist Information]
Namhansanseong was renovated in King Injo Year 2 (1624 A.D.). Monk Gakseong (1575~1660) had monks gather from across the nation and serve for the renovation project. Janggyeongsa was built in King Injo Year 16 (1638 A.D.) for accommodation of the monks. It is the only temple remains among temples built in Namhansanseong at that time.

Janggyeongsa: Cultural Asset No. 15, Gyeonggi-do
Contact: 031-743-6547~8
Website: www.jangkyungsa.org

◆ Location
Keyword for Search: Namhansanseong Janggyeongsa
Address: 22-1 Sanseong-ri, Jungbu-myeon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do
By Car: Namhansanseong Rotary → Go straight to the direction of Dongmun → Turn left when Dongmun comes into sight → Go up the hill until the post of Mangwoelsa and Janggyeongsa comes into sight  Take the lane on the right side  Janggyeongsa
Yangjae IC of Gyeongbu Expressway  Heolleungro → Segokdong Sageori → Yakjinro → Sanseong Tunnel → Jungang Parking Lot → Go straight to the direction of Dongmun → Turn left when Dongmun comes into sight  Turn right  Janggyeongsa

Public Transportation: Get off at the final bus stop of Sanseong  Walk to the direction of Dongmun  Post of Janggyeongsa
Bus No. 9: Sanseong Rotary
Bus No. 15-1: Gwangjiwon Jungnu-myeon Office  Sanseong Rotary (intervals of 30 minutes)
Bus No. 52: Sanseong Rotary → Nammun → Sanseong Station → Jonghap Market → Moran → Sangdaewon (intervals of 50 minutes)

◆ Adjacent Tourist Destinations
Namhansanseong, Namhansanseonghaenggung, Chimguaejeong, Jisudang, Hyeonjeolsa, Mangweola, Catholic Site of Namhansanseong, Namhansanseong Historic Museum and Tower Park

<Gwangju Mangweolsa>

The Sad Stories of the Temples of Dongmun

Namhansanseong is a great place for autumn excursions. We can see the stone tower of Tower Park, which is said to have been built by an old man, at the end of Dongmun, which is connected to Road No. 308. The wind rose in the thick forests, and leaves fell like rain. Sanseong is such a great place for an excursion to see maple leaves in autumn. I moved from Namhansanseong Rotary to Dongmun, and turned left to go to Mangweolsa and Janggyeongsa.

It is said that Janggyeongsa was built by Geumdanseonsa to pray for a mother and a son who died miserably, and that the stone tower of Mangweolsa was built by a lady who failed to marry the one she loved, and so pursued Buddhist values for the rest of her life. Two temples with sad legends are located near Dongmun of Namhansanseong.

Mangweolsa with the Sad Love Story
Mangweolsa is magnificent. The temple is located on the foot of a steep mountain. It is like a gallery in a mountain, as the large windows of Daewungjeon reflect the autumn scenery and the newly built stone tower. There are Geungrakbojeon and large-scale Daewungbojeon at the back. We can see the castle of Dongmun from Daewungbojeon. Jeokmyeolbogung Tower in the yard of Daewungjeon and Mountain Byeongpung are popular among visitors of Mangweolsa. The stone tower symbolizes the story of the hopeless love of a lady.

There was a couple that loved each other so much, but they had to break up because their families became sworn brothers. The lady failed to forget her lover, and decided to take the veil. She came to Mangweolsa, and laid down stones whenever she missed her lover, ultimately building a tower. Meanwhile, her lover came to Janggyeongsa, the temple located on the opposite side of Mangweolsa, after breaking up with his lover, and studied Buddhism. In order to renounce worldly desires, he took a walk around the temple. He saw and saved a lady who had fallen while building a tower. Surprisingly, she was his lover from long ago. He asked Gongyangju Bosal to take care of her and went back to Janggyeongsa. A few days later, he visited her again, and heard the story of her over the wall. He wanted to see her smile, but he decided to enter the Buddhist priesthood that night. She recovered, and returned to Mangweolsa, not knowing anything. She continued to build the tower, waiting for her lover who would not come back.

The story reminded me of the essay of Pi Cheon-Deuk. “We miss someone for life, but life separates lovers. I have met Asako three times. I regret the third meeting with her. I am going to Chuncheon this weekend, and the autumn scenery of Soyang River will be beautiful.”

The legend of Mangweolsa is as sad as the essay of Pi Cheon-Deuk.

[Tourist Information]
Monument No. 111, Gyeonggi-do
Gaewonsa, Mangweolsa and Janggyeongsa are the oldest temples remain among nine temples of Namhansanseong. Sites of other temples remain, and Mangweolsa has been newly built on the old site since 1990.

◆ Location
Research Keyword: Namhansanseong Mangweolsa
Address: 14 Sanseong-ri, jungbu-myeon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province
By Car: Namhansanseong Rotary → Go to the direction of Dongmun → Turn left when Dongmun appears → Go up the hill to get to Mangweolsa
Yangjae IC of Gyeongbu Expressway → Heolleungro → Segokdong Sageori → Yakjinro → Sanseong Tunnel → Jungng Parking Lot → Go to the direction of Dongmun → Turn left in front of Dongmun → Mangweolsa

Public Transportation: Get off at the final stop of Sanseong and walk to the direction of Dongmun until there is a sign.
No. 9: Sanseong Rotary
No. 15-1: Gwangjiwon Jungbu Myeon Office  Sanseong Rotary (intervals of 30 minutes)
No. 52: Sanseong Rotary  Nammun  Sanseong Station  Jonghap Market  Moran  Sangdaewon (intervals of 50 minutes)

◆ Adjacent Tourist Destinations
Namhansanseong, Namhansanseonghaenggung, Chimguaejeong, Jisudang, Hyeonjeolsa, Janggyeongsa, Catholic Site of Namhansanseong and Namhansanseong Historic Museum

<Youngun Museum of Gwangju>
Youngeun Museum Where Our Imagination Grows
The Beautiful Museum Where Artists, Artworks and the Nature Make a Perfect Harmony

Youngeun Museum is a contemporary art museum, and has supported young artists and operated cultural experience programs since 2001 through the residence program. The Museum is located on the foot of a mountain near Gyeongancheon (Stream), and the white buildings consist of exhibition halls, outdoor sculpture park, artists’ studios and studio systems.

Landscapes of early spring are similar to those of autumn. After driving the National Road No. 43 to the direction of Gwangju and Opo and turning right to the direction of Toechon, a white building of Youngeun Musem is situated on the foot of a mountain near Gyeongancheon. The Museum is operated by the Daeyu Cultural Foundation, and has possessed and exhibited contemporary art pieces and actively supported artists.

The high ceiling, wooden floors and white walls make a perfect setting for an artistic experience. Exhibition halls with a great view provide a special atmosphere. High ceilings of the halls help viewers concentrate on appreciation of artworks.

Exhibition of Youngeun Museum, 2009 A Message from Spring
The Museum has planned and operated 2009 Exhibition, “A Message from Spring.” Abstract art and imaginary paintings are displayed on the 1st floor, and works with imagination found in fairy tales are exhibited on the 2nd floor. The paintings with vivid colors create the atmosphere of spring. Exhibition Period: from February 7, 2009 to April 5, 2009

Exhibition Hall 1▶
The first painting displayed at Exhibition Hall 1 is the Metasequoia streets of Nami Island. The black-and-white large painting is followed by colorful paintings. Works with diverse styles and ideas including <Creation of Light> of a Korean French Artist Bang Hye-Ja, <The Part and The Whole> of Hong Sun-Myeong, <Traffic Trouble> of Lee Jin-Hyeok and <Neutered Entrance> of Kwon Oh-Hyeong are displayed.

Exhibition Hall 2 ▶
Exhibition Hall 2 accommodates representative works of artists who have participated in the residence program. Most of the displayed works have bright colors and comic concepts. “The Tree of a Thought,” the artwork of Artist Hong Hyeon-Suk, is displayed at the part connecting spaces. Items seen in the history books are hanging on a tree. It well illustrates the main theme of Exhibition Hall 2, the imagination found in fairy tales, and allows fun experience of contemporary art. Looking into the work, items made with diverse materials show the artist’s imagination.

The Museum has operated the residence program to enable artists to focus on artistic activities. Selected artists win the opportunities to continue artistic activities and hold exhibitions. Exhibitions of the residence artists are held in relays through the one-stop system.

Experience at Artists’ Studios
The Museum has spared no efforts to support artists, providing selected artists with studio facilities and dorms. Selected artists win the opportunities to continue artistic activities and hold exhibitions. Exhibitions of the residence artists are held in relays through the one-stop system, allowing artists to concentrate on artistic activities. Visitors can meet artists working at studios, which is one of the unique characteristics of the Museum.

For the studio experience, reservations shall be made at least one week before. Participants may choose out of pottery, glass art, natural dyeing and natural soap making. There is no need to hesitate, because the experience is available upon reservation of individuals. Participants are exempt from the admission fee when they visit the Museum again.

Art Shop and Cafeteria
There is an art shop and a cafeteria with arched glass roofs in the museum building. The front walls are all glasses, and the building is open to the third floor. The cafeteria is decorated with artistic items and combined with a book café. Tables, chairs and cups are all works of artists. The space allows visitors to read books, see artworks and take a rest with a cup of tea. The art shop was built to support artists. Silk scarves, neck ties and picture books where works of Kim Hwan-Ki, the master of contemporary abstract art, are printed as well as ceramic works of artists who participate in the residence program are attracting eyes.

There are studios and kilns at the outdoor sculpture park, and there are a dorm and the cafeteria for staff on the hill. The relay exhibitions of the artists who participate in the residence program will be held in March. It would be a great chance to have a spring excursion and cultural experience.

Tips for Visitors
Prepare picnic lunch to fully enjoy the excursion at the outdoor sculpture park. The cafeteria serves brunch dishes, and the cafeteria for staff offers cheap meal options (KRW 5,000).

[Tourist Information]
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM through 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Admission Fee: KRW 3,000 per adult and KRW 1,000 per child
Contact: 031-761-0137
Website: www.youngeunmuseum.org

Location
Keyword for Search: Youngeun Museum
Address: 8-1 Ssangryeong-dong, Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do
By Car: Suwon  National Road No. 43 bound for Gwangju and Opo  Gwangju  Turn right at Gyeongangyo (Bridge)  Turn left after crossing the bridge  1km

Adjacent Tourist Destinations
Joseon Pottery Museum, Cheonjinam, Toechon Spa Land, Gyeongancheon Wetland and Eco Park, Museum FACE, and Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum

Restaurant Options
Toechon Milmyeonjip (031-767-9280) and Bunwonmaeul Bungeojjim

I went on a picnic with my family to Toechon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province.

There are several famous restaurants serving noodles, Korean cuisine and spicy fish soups in Toechon, but I never miss a restaurant when I go to Toechon. It is Namgang House located in Bunwon-ri, Namjong-myeon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province.

Although I visited Namgang House in the early morning of a weekend, its parking lot and parking spaces in the riverside were already crowded with visitors of Bunwon-ri. I guess Namgang House is the most popular
spot in Bunwon-ri.



Visitors can enjoy the view of Namhangang (River) beside the riverside parking space in front of Namgang House, and Gyeongan Stream, an effluent from Paldang Lake, flows right in front of Namgang House.



Toechon-myeon is famous as the growing district of tomatoes, but tomatoes are out of season now and has now replaced by potatoes.




The best seats of Namgang House are the window seats, because you can look down on Paldangho (Lake) of Namhangang and enjoy the sweet breeze from Paldangho.



Namgang House serves home-grown potatoes, Injeolmi and boiled quail’s eggs as appetizers.


Pickled Young Radish and salads are made with home-grown vegetables and foods.



Mulkimchi, Baekkimchi, bones of eels and the unique sauce made with oriental herbs are also served.




This is the eel (three eels: 1kg) baked on a stone plate of Namgang House.



Unlike other eel restaurants, Namgang House bakes marinated eels twice, and then serves them hot on the stone plate.



A cup of eel’s-gall-bladder liquor is also served on the house.



There are baked onion slices under baked eels.



Rice with beans and black rice is cooked in a stone pot, which is good for health.



Bean paste soup is served with the rice, and scorched rice tea is boiled in the pot where the rice is boiled.


I strongly recommend Namgang House as a place for a family gathering and a drive. You will never regret!

Namgang House
225-30, Bunwon-ri, Namjong-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
031)767-9216

* This posting is the contents from blogs of portals like Naver. We acquired permission of the owner of the contents.

the source - http://blog.naver.com/tiramisu06/30064702906

The satellite cities of Seongnam and Hanam in Gyeonggi Province have agreed to merge before local elections in June 2010. Talks had been underway among three cities in the province, Seongnam, Hanam and Gwangju, about a possible merger, but Gwangju dropped out.

In a telephone interview on Monday, Seongnam Mayor Lee Dae-yub (74) said, "We've reached agreement with the city of Hanam on the merger of the two cities. We'll make an official announcement at a press conference on Wednesday."

Hanam Mayor Kim Hwang-sik (59) said "Last month, I proposed to Mayor Lee that Hanam, Seongnam and Gwangju merge to become one metropolitan city for the benefit of residents. I met him again last week and we agreed to seek the merger of Hanam and Seongnam first."

As of the end of 2008, Seongnam, which covers an area of about 142 sq. km, had a population of about 942,000, while Hanam, which measures about 93 sq. km, had a population of about 143,000.

In terms of population size, the resulting new city will rank with Suwon (1.09 million), the largest city in Gyeonggi Province, or Ulsan in the South with its population of 1.1 million. The new city will have a population of more than 1.13 million if residents move into new apartment houses in Pangyo New Town in Seongnam and a Hanam housing project is completed, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government said.

(Source: The Chosun Ilbo)http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/08/18/2009081800264.html


the source - http://english.gg.go.kr/

City of a bountiful specialty Icheon gyeonggi-do Korea

The fourteen circles, representing Icheon’s eup, myeon and dong, stretches over the world map, symbolizing Icheon’s take off to the world. The circles also stand for Icheon’s famous products including
rice, earth for ceramics, water for hot spring, peach and Sanyusu. City slogan A.R.T ICHEON stands for Active, Rich and Top. The red represents the creative culture, green stands for the green city and blue for city’s future vision and industry development.

City’s character ‘Art family’, symbolizing Icheon’s famous products, rice, ceramics, hot spring and peach

Icheon, located at the heart of southeastern Gyeonggi, is well known for its wide plain and highlands and is one of few areas in Korea that suffers almost no natural disasters. Icheon borders Yeoju to the east, Yongin and Ansung to the west, Gwangju to the north and Eumseong of Chuncheongnamdo to the south.

Icheon boasts many local products including the nation’s top quality rice, high sugar peaches and its ceramics. In fact, Icheon is the mecca of Korean ceramics where earth, fire and craftsmanship come to a spiritual harmony. Icheon has two major mountains, Mt. Seolbong and Mt. Dodram, and has natural alkaline
hot springs. The city is a great place for high technology industry, suburban residence, tourism and leisure.

Major tour sites include Icheon Ceramic Village, Icheon hot spring, and Yongpoong/ Seongho/Yongmyeon reservoir (great for fi shing).Icheon Ceramic Village, in particular, is a cluster of over forty ceramic towns along the local road that connects Seoul and Chungju and a large number of tourists visit the village
all year around.

Icheon is located at the hub of major high ways, Jungbu high way that stretches from north to south and Yeongdong from east to west. National Road #3, connecting Seoul and Chungju, and National Road #42, connecting Suwon and Yeoju, also pass through Icheon.

Icheon’s Janghowon area has been designated as a local industry complex and many high technology companies of electronic parts, video & audio devices, telecommunication equipments, machinery, assembly metal parts are to locate their production sites in the complex. (construction is to be completed in 2009)

702 companies including Hynix Semiconductor Co., Ltd. is located in Icheon. Icheon is a balanced city-farm complex, where priamary, secondary as well as tertiary industries can be found.

PDF Download↓
2009.07Newsletter_English.pdf

the source - http://www.invest.go.kr/eng/index.jsp

Gwangju Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum_Korea Gyeonggi-do

I want a Moon-jar which does not catch the eye or fit in anywhere.

In the Joseon period, there was a type of white porcelain which had the spirit of Joseon, similar to celadon porcelain in the Goryeo Period. You can feel a scholarly spirit in the simple and graceful white porcelain. Ceramics show that things can resemble humans. It makes me greedy.

Passing by children swinging besides a poplar, enter the forest following the milestone to the Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum. Established on the site of the last royal kilns of the Joseon Period, the Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum is an information resource center on white porcelain following the Bunwon-ri royal kiln excavation in 2001 and 2002. In order to preserve the relics that remain underground, the old school building that stood on this site was remodeled and opened as the Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum. The Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum will help you understand the history of the Bunwon kilns and reflect on the meaning and value of Joseon white porcelain.

The Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum is a cultural place in which you can aquaint yourself with the Joseon period spirit through the ceramics of that time. We call all the places making ceramics for the Joseon Dynasty, Bunwon. These were places with excellent soil, plentiful pine trees and good transportation via waterways. When entering the Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum, exhibits of soil from throughout the centuries overwhelm visitors. Soil from the time of the 13th king of Joseon Dynasty, Yeongjo, to 1923, is exhibited showing the layers of time and history. Below that, pieces of white porcelain are scattered in the ground.

Broken porcelain pieces were often discovered in the elementary school playground.

In order to preserve the relics that remain underground, the old school building that stood on this site was remodeled and opened as the Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum. While building Paldangdam, a kiln in which Royal Porcelain was made was discovered by accident. In front of the Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum, a straight and tall tree welcomes you, intimating how old the school is. A simple and practical pavilion covered with cotton conveys the simplicity of white porcelain.

Bunwon is a kiln in which royal porcelain is made with techniques passed down from the Joseon Dynasty. The whole of the Gwangju-si Bunwon-ri area used to be used for kilns.

The most famous and popular white porcelain in Bunwon-ri is blue-and-white porcelain.

After the Imjin War, cobalt was imported into Korea. After the 19th king of the Josen Dynasty, Sukjong, much more blue-and-white porcelain was made compared to Joseon white porcelain. Kilns were frequently moved as the firewood in an area was exhausted. Then they moved to where new sources of firewood were available. The primary reasons for this area becoming famous for white porcelain were: a waterway, pine trees for firewood, kilns and the soil. The method of manufacturing royal porcelain differs to other types of porcelain. A model of the process of making white porcelain is exhibited so that you can compare it with the Japanese and Chinese methods. The traditional Korean porcelain was made in accordance with a complicated process. During the process of baking, the porcelain shrinks to about 30 percent of its original size.

The graceful and beautiful pattern of white porcelain engenders in people a feelng for the hands of the artisan. Some 15 th century white porcelain sold for 4 billion KRW while other white porcelain brought a bid of about 10 billion KRW at Christie's in 1994.

Bunwon Village, full of things to eat, see, and enjoy

In Gwangju, you can enjoy the day in various ways. Drive to Yangpyeong along Paldang Lake; Enjoy steamed crucian carp at the Steamed Crucian Carp Festival in May (20% discount price during the festival); See the Bunwon Royal Porcelain Museum, The Museum of Face, the Historic Site of Dasan Jeong Yakyong near Paldang Lake. In Yangpyeong see the Dr. Park Gallery which is run by the present doctor, the Batanggol Art Museum which has many activities or Hill House where you can relax watching the Namhan River etc.

ther source - http://english.ethankyou.co.kr/travel/journalist/journalistView.jsp?story_telling_seq=370&pagesize=10&category_s_search=113111115000&area_search=&keyfield=&keyword=

Jong-yeoyul house pension,Gwangju-si,Gyeonggi-do,Korea

Weekend : 250,000won | Weekday : 150,000won (Off season, 116㎡ standard)
address : Geomcheon-ri ,Namjong-myeon ,Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea 78

Jongyeolwool Pension is a cottage-style pension situated in Kyunggi-do Gwangju-si Namjongmyun only 40 minutes from Seoul. From this 36,000 square feet property, you can see the morning mist rising from Doomuel-Muhri. You c... 
 
 address | Geomcheon-ri ,Namjong-myeon ,Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea 78 
 telephone | 82-11-9095-8448
 homepage | www.jongyeoulhouse.co.kr

Camp Fire
A bonfire and camp fire are ready for use.  


Barbecue Facilities
Even during the rain, group dinners are available and usage of charcoal, grill and other appliances can be rented for 10,000 won for group of 4.
 


Basketball court
There is a basketball court for you to play in and other group sports event can be managed in our facility.

Driving, using public transportation
※ train : call us before departing(011-9095-8448) .  ※ automobile : seoul-yangpyong→paldang dam southside→gwangju IC →10mins -> tyeochon / chunjin left→go →go to left at diverting point → sign mark to namjong→10min -> gumchunri→copper top -> right→200M→jongyeoul house pension

others
※Address:  78 Geomcheon-ri ,Namjong-myeon ,Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea


the source - http://english.ethankyou.co.kr/reservation/lodge/lodgeList.jsp?category_s=111111111000