Difference between revisions of "National parks of South Korea" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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The parks are overseen by the [[Korea National Parks Authority]], established in 1987.  The Authority operates its own police force, and since 1998 has been under the jurisdiction of the [[Ministry of Environment (South Korea)|Ministry of Environment]].  It was previously under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Construction.
 
The parks are overseen by the [[Korea National Parks Authority]], established in 1987.  The Authority operates its own police force, and since 1998 has been under the jurisdiction of the [[Ministry of Environment (South Korea)|Ministry of Environment]].  It was previously under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Construction.
 +
 +
:The year 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the introduction of a national park system in Korea and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Korea National park Service (KNPS). The symposium held 203 July 2007 at Press Center in Seould invited Korean and international expers in the field of national park management to review and discuss the park management strategies of the past 40 years, as well as explore measures of more effective management of Korea's national parks for the future. <ref>[http://english.knps.or.kr/ Korea National Park]</ref>
  
 
==Land-based parks==
 
==Land-based parks==
−
*[[Jirisan]] National Park, in [[Jeollanam-do]], [[Jeollabuk-do]] and [[Gyeongsangnam-do]], 471.75 km².
+
*[[Jirisan]] National Park, in [[Jeollanam-do]], [[Jeollabuk-do]] and [[Gyeongsangnam-do]], 471.75 km². Hwaeomsa, the signature location of Jirisan, is situated in the middle of Nogodan peak. It is one of the ten most famous temples in Korea . A great Buddhist priest, Yeongidaesa, built this historical temple, named after Hwaeomkyeong's (one of the Buddhist scriptures) first two letters, during the reign of King Jinheung, in the fifth year (544) of Silla. Destroyed during the Japanese invasion, the temple was restored by Byeokamseonsa, an esteemed priest, during the reign of King Injo, in the 8th year of Silla(1630). Over the next 25 years, Iljumun, Cheonwangmun, Geumgangmun, Daeungjeon were built, and later on, the esteemed priest, Gyepa, built Wontongjeon and Gakhwangjeon. He therefore, obtained the position of Seongyo Yangjong Daegaram(great temple).
 +
 
 +
In Hwaeomsa, there are many precious cultural assets. There are four national treasures, including Gakhwangjoen (National Treasure no. 67), which is given its name by King Sukjong, a three-story stone pagoda propping up four lions, and remarkable Gakwhangjoen seokdeung, one of the largest existing stone lights. In addition, there are other six treasures including Daeungjeon, the Dongseo five-story stone pagoda, Wontongjoen, and Hwaeomseokgyeong
 +
 
 +
Ssanggyesa [Temple]
 +
 +
This old temple located in the middle of southern Jirisan was built by the esteemed priest Jingamseonsa on his return from the Dang Dynasty during the 2nd year (840) of King Munseong's reign about 1,100 years ago. It was then destroyed by Japanese invasion but rebuilt by Jingamseonsa together with Songgwangsa and Hwaeomsa.
 +
 
 +
There are many valuable cultural assets inside the temple. One such treasure is Jingamseonsa-daegongtapbi (National Treasure no. 47) which was written by Choi Chiwon, a great writer in Silla. There is also a five-story stone pagoda, Iljumun, as well as Palsangjoen, and Maaeyerae-jwasang. Not far from the temple, is the beautiful Buril waterfall. 
 +
 
 +
Naewonsa [Temple]
 +
 +
Naewonsa was built during the period of King Taejong Muyeol and was called Deoksansa during that time. It once prospered with ten small Buddhist temples but was completely destroyed by fire 500 years ago. In 1959 a monk named Houng Wonjong rebuilt the temple and named it Naewonsa.
 +
 
 +
In Naewonsa, two treasures are left: a three-story stone pagoda, the work of Silla; and 'Seongnamamsu Seokjo Birojana Buljwasang', (stone built statue of Buddha) designated as National Treasure No. 1,021. 
 +
 +
Beopgyesa [Temple]
 +
 +
Yeongijosa built this temple at the highest known altitude 1,450 meters in the Korean Buddhism era during the 9th year of King Jinheung (548). It takes two hours to reach the temple on foot.
 +
 
 +
Along with Korean history, Beopgyesa has had its ups and downs. Its very first ordeal was delivered by Japanese soldiers. Upon their defeat at the hands of General Lee Seonggye the Japanese soldiers set Jirisan on fire as they fled. In 1908, the Japanese delivered the second ordeal and burned it down again, because it was a region renowned for its anti-Japanese protestors. In October of 1948, Jirisan was occupied by a rebel army. A punitive Japanese force was sent to set fire to the region to expel the rebels. This incident became known as the third ordeal. Therefore, there is saying that when Beopgyesa rises, the Japanese fail, and vice versa. In spite of the three sufferings, the temple is rebuilt and an endless line of believers visit the temple of Beopgyesa . 
 +
 +
Silsangsa [Temple]
 +
 +
Silsangsa, situated in Sannaemyeon of Namwon at the lower edge of Jirisan, was first opened among the Gusanseonmun of Silla, and considered a temple of defense of the fatherland. Facing the Cheonwangbong peak of Jirisan , it was built by the monk Hongcheok during the 3rd year of King Heungdeok of Silla (828). It was burned to the ground during a great fire in Jeongyujaeran, and subsequently rebuilt 36 buildings during King Sukjong. However, another fire broke in the period of King Gojong, and the area was later restored to normal, albeit in a smaller scale.
 +
 
 +
Baekjangam, a three-story pagoda, and many other national treasures are left, representing the meaning and dignity of the temple. Starting from Cheonwangbong, the lower edge of the mountain spreads out like a folding screen in front of the temple, embracing it with the merciful heart of Buddha. The crystal clean waters of Banseon Valley originating from Jirisan run along the temple as if washing away the agonies of the world. The leader monk of the nation, Doseon, worried that the essence of the land might have run to Japan through Cheonwang-bong. He therefore put his Japanese map under the floor of Silsangsa Bokwangjeon, and hit it whenever he worshipped in front of Buddha. In so doing, he unwittingly created the saying 'when Silsangsa got excited Japan got ruined'. Within Silsangsa there is one national treasure, eleven treasures, and one local treasure. When looking at Cheonwangmun you can see the highest top of Cheonwangbong at the front. 
 +
 +
Yeongwonsa [Temple]
 +
 +
A great Buddhist priest built Yeongwonsa with 100 rooms in nine buildings before it was destroyed by fire. According to legend, a monk named Yeongwon cultivated himself for eight years in a cave. Despite this, he learned nothing and decided to leave. On the way down he saw an old man fishing in the woods. However, there was no water where he was fishing. The old man said to Yeongwon, "I've been fishing here for eight years and I will catch a big fish in two years." He then disappeared. Watching this mysterious scene, Yeongwon decided to return to the cave for two more years. He attained Nirvana and built Yeongwonsa Palace. <ref>[http://jiri.knps.or.kr/Jirisan_eng/info/history.html]</ref>
 +
 
 
*[[Gyeongju National Park]], in [[Gyeongsangbuk-do]], 138.72 km².
 
*[[Gyeongju National Park]], in [[Gyeongsangbuk-do]], 138.72 km².
 +
 
*[[Gyeryongsan]] National Park, in [[Chungcheongnam-do]] and  [[Daejeon]], 64.68 km².
 
*[[Gyeryongsan]] National Park, in [[Chungcheongnam-do]] and  [[Daejeon]], 64.68 km².
 +
----------
 +
imported from National Park Service —[[User:Dan Davies|Daniel]] 19:13, 6 August 2007 (UTC)
 +
[http://gyeryong.knps.or.kr/Gyerongsan_eng/info/history.html]
 +
 +
 +
Donghaksa [Temple]
 +
 +
The college of the Buddhist priesthood for Buddhist nuns is situated in the east of Donghaksa(Temple). Since it is 1km from the entrance of Yuseong of Daejeon to Donghaksa many people come and go.
 +
 +
Donghaksa was named as 'Sangwonsa' originated by priest Sangwonjosa. It has been a place for Buddhist nuns since the time of Silla, the 23rd year of King Seongdeok(724). In the period of Goryeo a patriot Doseon, remodeled it and King Taejo prayed for safety of his people. The college was later remodeled extensively by King Sunjo and Gojong (1864).
 +
 +
The name of Donghaksa orginated from the rock like a crane near the temple. Another theory is that this was the place to perform rituals to commemorate Jeong mongju, the famous scholar of the end of Goryeo. Inside the temple area there are Daeung-jeon, Sukmojeon, Sameungak, Budo, and a graceful three-storied stone pagoda. Munsuam, Gilsangam, and Mitaam are three temples that are attached to Donghaksa.
 +
 +
There are three shrines which are rare to see in other places before going up to the Daeungjeon. The Sameun shrine enshrines the spirits of three men (Jeong mongju - pen name Poeun, Lee saek - pen name Mogeun, and Giljae - pen name Yaeun). Donggyesa enshrines the patriot Park Jesang of Silla. And Sukmojeon enshrines the spirits of Danjong and Sayuksin, who suffered undue treatment and died while Sejo contended for the throne. Sambulbong can be seen from Daeungjeon and is surrounded by mountains, creating a cozy atmosphere.
 +
 +
Donghaksa valley, 4 km long, is very beautiful. We can appreciate it walking along the streams from Donghaksa to Gwaneumbong by way of Euseon falls. A small waterfall and a swarm welcome people and the forest is so dense that sunlight cannot penetrate through the treetops. There is an old saying, "Donghaksa for Spring, Gapsa for autumn", illustrating the beauty of the temple. 
 +
 +
Nammaetap
 +
 +
On the way from Donghaksa to Gapsa, two pagodas stand abreast; Treasure No. 1284 and 1285, also called Onuitap (brother and sister). They sit one hour from Donghaksa on foot, roughly 1.7km.
 +
 +
The site is also called Cheongnyangsaji-ssangtap since there was Cheongnyangsa ( Temple ).
 +
 +
According to legend, one man from the royal family dug into a cave and cultivated himself in the 23rd year of Queen Seondeok during the period of Silla. One day he saved a tiger suffering from a bone in its throat. The tiger brought a lady to express its gratitude. The man discovered that the woman was recently married in Sangju, Gyeongsang-do. On the first night of her wedding, she was out to get some fresh air. She did not remember what happened next. Since the season was a very cold winter they had no choice but to stay together in the cave. Later she asked him to marry her but the man concretely rejected it. Instead, he promised to remain brother and sister.
 +
 +
They cultivated themselves together and died at the same time on the same day. This is where their sarisas were preserved - underneath the seven-story pagoda for the brother, and the five-story pagoda for the sister. 
 +
 +
Gapsa [Temple]
 +
 +
Passing through Nammaetap to Yongmun falls you are led to Gapsa, one of the representative temples of Gyeryongsan. It takes 3 hours from Donghaksa( Temple ) and many people love this place to hike.
 +
 +
Often the beauty of Chungcheong district is called 'Chunmagok, Chugapsa' meaning Magoksa is beautiful in spring, and Gapsa is beautiful in autumn.
 +
 +
Gapsa, located on the northwestern edge of Gyeryonsang with dense old pinewoods and zelkova trees boasts beautiful autumn maples.
 +
 +
Its valleys are tinged with Sansuyu with yellow flowers and royal azalea in spring. The beautiful Yongmun falls runs through the dense forest in the summer. However, Gapsa boasts the best of its splendor in the autumn. Numerous varieties of graceful maples together with reddish persimmons, old walls and pictures, many colors, and Gapsa-originated designs create a rare picture.
 +
 +
Gapsa was built more than a thousand years ago. According to the legend, the old Buddhist priest Adohwasang put a foundation stone on Baeseokdae and recommanded to build a temple here on his way back home from Silla. This happened in the 1st year of King Guisin in the Baekje period (420).
 +
 +
Later the great Buddhist priest Uisangdaesa remodeled Gapsa, for seeking truth of Hwaeom. It was considered a most graceful temple and one of the three great ones - Tongdosa, Songgwangsa, and Hwaeomsa. During the Japanese invasion(A.D 16) more than 800 monk soldiers stayed in this temple, however it was destroyed by fire during the war. The present temple was rebuilt later on.
 +
 +
There are about ten buildings including Daeungjeon(main praying hall) and Daejeokjeon, and precious cultural assets like Budo, Cheoldanggan, Jiju, and Wolinseokbo-panbon (21 books, 46 pages) Gapsa Valley that reaches from Gapsa to the Geumjandi valley boasts of the most graceful maples in Gyeryongsan. This region is considered one of the eight most beautiful landscapes of Gyeryongsan National Park . 
 +
 +
Gapsabudo
 +
 +
Gapsabudo (Treasure No. 257) stands in front of the antique-looking Daejeokjeon where the Gapsa valley runs along the front. Gapsabudo, the work of the beginning of Goryeo, is an octagon-shaped, 2.05m high distinguished by the stylobate which is shaped like a blooming lotus flower. Lions, Sacheonwang Ipsang, and Juakcheoninsang are carved into the structure, and its jade lid is shaped like a tiled roof. This very precious remnant is not to be missed.
 +
 +
Cheoldanggan
 +
 +
Danggan (a banner pole made of stone, steel or wood which is used for fluttering during the performance of rituals) was made by the great Buddhist Euisangdaesa in the 19th year of King Munmu in the Tongilsilla period (680). Originally there were 28 banners but four of them were destroyed in the 35th year of King Gojong (1899), and now 24 of them remains. It was designated as Treasure No. 256. It stands 15m tall and is made of iron.
 +
 +
Sinwonsa [Temple]
 +
 +
Sinwonsa, an old temple rebuilt by the Buddhist priest Bodeokhwasang in the 11th year of King Uija (651) is located at the southern outskirt of Gyeryongsan, Yeoncheonbong - roughly 50ri (20km) from the south of Gongju. It has been remodeled several times and is famous for its lotus flower patterned tile. Inside Sinwonsa there are Daeungjeon, Dokseonggak, Yeongsanjeon, and many other small temples as well as Jungakdan (an altar to perform religious services). There are also other cultural assets including a five-story pagoda (Local Tangible Cultural Asset No. 31) and octagonal Budo.
 +
 +
Eunsun Falls
 +
 +
Climbing up along the valley from Donghaksa, one is led to Eunseonpokpo (Falls). It stands 50m tall and falls directly down from the cliff. It is considered the coolest place in the forest during summer to make forget hot weather.
 +
 +
Donghaksa Valley
 +
 +
A 2km-long stream runs into the entrance of Donghaksa ( Temple ). The hundred-year-old trees and fantastic rocks are seen as a graceful oriental painting that attracts visitors.
 +
 +
end import. —[[User:Dan Davies|Daniel]] 19:13, 6 August 2007 (UTC)
 +
----------
 +
 
*[[Seoraksan]] National Park, in [[Gangwon-do]], 398.53 km².
 
*[[Seoraksan]] National Park, in [[Gangwon-do]], 398.53 km².
 
*[[Songnisan]] National Park, in [[Chungcheongbuk-do]] and [[Gyeongsangbuk-do]], 274.54 km².
 
*[[Songnisan]] National Park, in [[Chungcheongbuk-do]] and [[Gyeongsangbuk-do]], 274.54 km².

Revision as of 19:13, 6 August 2007

The national parks of South Korea are preserved parcels of public land in South Korea, on which most forms of development are prohibited. They cover a total of 6.6% of the country's area, and are typically located in mountainous or coastal regions. The country's largest mountain park is Jirisan National Park in the southwest; this was also the first national park to be designated, in 1967. The largest marine park is Dadohae; it has an area of more than 2,200 km², but almost all of this is water. The smallest park is Wolchulsan, with an area of only 56.1 km².

The parks are overseen by the Korea National Parks Authority, established in 1987. The Authority operates its own police force, and since 1998 has been under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment. It was previously under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Construction.

The year 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the introduction of a national park system in Korea and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Korea National park Service (KNPS). The symposium held 203 July 2007 at Press Center in Seould invited Korean and international expers in the field of national park management to review and discuss the park management strategies of the past 40 years, as well as explore measures of more effective management of Korea's national parks for the future. [1]

Land-based parks

  • Jirisan National Park, in Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, 471.75 km². Hwaeomsa, the signature location of Jirisan, is situated in the middle of Nogodan peak. It is one of the ten most famous temples in Korea . A great Buddhist priest, Yeongidaesa, built this historical temple, named after Hwaeomkyeong's (one of the Buddhist scriptures) first two letters, during the reign of King Jinheung, in the fifth year (544) of Silla. Destroyed during the Japanese invasion, the temple was restored by Byeokamseonsa, an esteemed priest, during the reign of King Injo, in the 8th year of Silla(1630). Over the next 25 years, Iljumun, Cheonwangmun, Geumgangmun, Daeungjeon were built, and later on, the esteemed priest, Gyepa, built Wontongjeon and Gakhwangjeon. He therefore, obtained the position of Seongyo Yangjong Daegaram(great temple).

In Hwaeomsa, there are many precious cultural assets. There are four national treasures, including Gakhwangjoen (National Treasure no. 67), which is given its name by King Sukjong, a three-story stone pagoda propping up four lions, and remarkable Gakwhangjoen seokdeung, one of the largest existing stone lights. In addition, there are other six treasures including Daeungjeon, the Dongseo five-story stone pagoda, Wontongjoen, and Hwaeomseokgyeong

Ssanggyesa [Temple]

This old temple located in the middle of southern Jirisan was built by the esteemed priest Jingamseonsa on his return from the Dang Dynasty during the 2nd year (840) of King Munseong's reign about 1,100 years ago. It was then destroyed by Japanese invasion but rebuilt by Jingamseonsa together with Songgwangsa and Hwaeomsa.

There are many valuable cultural assets inside the temple. One such treasure is Jingamseonsa-daegongtapbi (National Treasure no. 47) which was written by Choi Chiwon, a great writer in Silla. There is also a five-story stone pagoda, Iljumun, as well as Palsangjoen, and Maaeyerae-jwasang. Not far from the temple, is the beautiful Buril waterfall.

Naewonsa [Temple]

Naewonsa was built during the period of King Taejong Muyeol and was called Deoksansa during that time. It once prospered with ten small Buddhist temples but was completely destroyed by fire 500 years ago. In 1959 a monk named Houng Wonjong rebuilt the temple and named it Naewonsa.

In Naewonsa, two treasures are left: a three-story stone pagoda, the work of Silla; and 'Seongnamamsu Seokjo Birojana Buljwasang', (stone built statue of Buddha) designated as National Treasure No. 1,021.

Beopgyesa [Temple]

Yeongijosa built this temple at the highest known altitude 1,450 meters in the Korean Buddhism era during the 9th year of King Jinheung (548). It takes two hours to reach the temple on foot.

Along with Korean history, Beopgyesa has had its ups and downs. Its very first ordeal was delivered by Japanese soldiers. Upon their defeat at the hands of General Lee Seonggye the Japanese soldiers set Jirisan on fire as they fled. In 1908, the Japanese delivered the second ordeal and burned it down again, because it was a region renowned for its anti-Japanese protestors. In October of 1948, Jirisan was occupied by a rebel army. A punitive Japanese force was sent to set fire to the region to expel the rebels. This incident became known as the third ordeal. Therefore, there is saying that when Beopgyesa rises, the Japanese fail, and vice versa. In spite of the three sufferings, the temple is rebuilt and an endless line of believers visit the temple of Beopgyesa .

Silsangsa [Temple]

Silsangsa, situated in Sannaemyeon of Namwon at the lower edge of Jirisan, was first opened among the Gusanseonmun of Silla, and considered a temple of defense of the fatherland. Facing the Cheonwangbong peak of Jirisan , it was built by the monk Hongcheok during the 3rd year of King Heungdeok of Silla (828). It was burned to the ground during a great fire in Jeongyujaeran, and subsequently rebuilt 36 buildings during King Sukjong. However, another fire broke in the period of King Gojong, and the area was later restored to normal, albeit in a smaller scale.

Baekjangam, a three-story pagoda, and many other national treasures are left, representing the meaning and dignity of the temple. Starting from Cheonwangbong, the lower edge of the mountain spreads out like a folding screen in front of the temple, embracing it with the merciful heart of Buddha. The crystal clean waters of Banseon Valley originating from Jirisan run along the temple as if washing away the agonies of the world. The leader monk of the nation, Doseon, worried that the essence of the land might have run to Japan through Cheonwang-bong. He therefore put his Japanese map under the floor of Silsangsa Bokwangjeon, and hit it whenever he worshipped in front of Buddha. In so doing, he unwittingly created the saying 'when Silsangsa got excited Japan got ruined'. Within Silsangsa there is one national treasure, eleven treasures, and one local treasure. When looking at Cheonwangmun you can see the highest top of Cheonwangbong at the front.

Yeongwonsa [Temple]

A great Buddhist priest built Yeongwonsa with 100 rooms in nine buildings before it was destroyed by fire. According to legend, a monk named Yeongwon cultivated himself for eight years in a cave. Despite this, he learned nothing and decided to leave. On the way down he saw an old man fishing in the woods. However, there was no water where he was fishing. The old man said to Yeongwon, "I've been fishing here for eight years and I will catch a big fish in two years." He then disappeared. Watching this mysterious scene, Yeongwon decided to return to the cave for two more years. He attained Nirvana and built Yeongwonsa Palace. [2]

  • Gyeongju National Park, in Gyeongsangbuk-do, 138.72 km².
  • Gyeryongsan National Park, in Chungcheongnam-do and Daejeon, 64.68 km².

imported from National Park Service —Daniel 19:13, 6 August 2007 (UTC) [1]


Donghaksa [Temple]

The college of the Buddhist priesthood for Buddhist nuns is situated in the east of Donghaksa(Temple). Since it is 1km from the entrance of Yuseong of Daejeon to Donghaksa many people come and go.

Donghaksa was named as 'Sangwonsa' originated by priest Sangwonjosa. It has been a place for Buddhist nuns since the time of Silla, the 23rd year of King Seongdeok(724). In the period of Goryeo a patriot Doseon, remodeled it and King Taejo prayed for safety of his people. The college was later remodeled extensively by King Sunjo and Gojong (1864).

The name of Donghaksa orginated from the rock like a crane near the temple. Another theory is that this was the place to perform rituals to commemorate Jeong mongju, the famous scholar of the end of Goryeo. Inside the temple area there are Daeung-jeon, Sukmojeon, Sameungak, Budo, and a graceful three-storied stone pagoda. Munsuam, Gilsangam, and Mitaam are three temples that are attached to Donghaksa.

There are three shrines which are rare to see in other places before going up to the Daeungjeon. The Sameun shrine enshrines the spirits of three men (Jeong mongju - pen name Poeun, Lee saek - pen name Mogeun, and Giljae - pen name Yaeun). Donggyesa enshrines the patriot Park Jesang of Silla. And Sukmojeon enshrines the spirits of Danjong and Sayuksin, who suffered undue treatment and died while Sejo contended for the throne. Sambulbong can be seen from Daeungjeon and is surrounded by mountains, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Donghaksa valley, 4 km long, is very beautiful. We can appreciate it walking along the streams from Donghaksa to Gwaneumbong by way of Euseon falls. A small waterfall and a swarm welcome people and the forest is so dense that sunlight cannot penetrate through the treetops. There is an old saying, "Donghaksa for Spring, Gapsa for autumn", illustrating the beauty of the temple.

Nammaetap

On the way from Donghaksa to Gapsa, two pagodas stand abreast; Treasure No. 1284 and 1285, also called Onuitap (brother and sister). They sit one hour from Donghaksa on foot, roughly 1.7km.

The site is also called Cheongnyangsaji-ssangtap since there was Cheongnyangsa ( Temple ).

According to legend, one man from the royal family dug into a cave and cultivated himself in the 23rd year of Queen Seondeok during the period of Silla. One day he saved a tiger suffering from a bone in its throat. The tiger brought a lady to express its gratitude. The man discovered that the woman was recently married in Sangju, Gyeongsang-do. On the first night of her wedding, she was out to get some fresh air. She did not remember what happened next. Since the season was a very cold winter they had no choice but to stay together in the cave. Later she asked him to marry her but the man concretely rejected it. Instead, he promised to remain brother and sister.

They cultivated themselves together and died at the same time on the same day. This is where their sarisas were preserved - underneath the seven-story pagoda for the brother, and the five-story pagoda for the sister.

Gapsa [Temple]

Passing through Nammaetap to Yongmun falls you are led to Gapsa, one of the representative temples of Gyeryongsan. It takes 3 hours from Donghaksa( Temple ) and many people love this place to hike.

Often the beauty of Chungcheong district is called 'Chunmagok, Chugapsa' meaning Magoksa is beautiful in spring, and Gapsa is beautiful in autumn.

Gapsa, located on the northwestern edge of Gyeryonsang with dense old pinewoods and zelkova trees boasts beautiful autumn maples.

Its valleys are tinged with Sansuyu with yellow flowers and royal azalea in spring. The beautiful Yongmun falls runs through the dense forest in the summer. However, Gapsa boasts the best of its splendor in the autumn. Numerous varieties of graceful maples together with reddish persimmons, old walls and pictures, many colors, and Gapsa-originated designs create a rare picture.

Gapsa was built more than a thousand years ago. According to the legend, the old Buddhist priest Adohwasang put a foundation stone on Baeseokdae and recommanded to build a temple here on his way back home from Silla. This happened in the 1st year of King Guisin in the Baekje period (420).

Later the great Buddhist priest Uisangdaesa remodeled Gapsa, for seeking truth of Hwaeom. It was considered a most graceful temple and one of the three great ones - Tongdosa, Songgwangsa, and Hwaeomsa. During the Japanese invasion(A.D 16) more than 800 monk soldiers stayed in this temple, however it was destroyed by fire during the war. The present temple was rebuilt later on.

There are about ten buildings including Daeungjeon(main praying hall) and Daejeokjeon, and precious cultural assets like Budo, Cheoldanggan, Jiju, and Wolinseokbo-panbon (21 books, 46 pages) Gapsa Valley that reaches from Gapsa to the Geumjandi valley boasts of the most graceful maples in Gyeryongsan. This region is considered one of the eight most beautiful landscapes of Gyeryongsan National Park .

Gapsabudo

Gapsabudo (Treasure No. 257) stands in front of the antique-looking Daejeokjeon where the Gapsa valley runs along the front. Gapsabudo, the work of the beginning of Goryeo, is an octagon-shaped, 2.05m high distinguished by the stylobate which is shaped like a blooming lotus flower. Lions, Sacheonwang Ipsang, and Juakcheoninsang are carved into the structure, and its jade lid is shaped like a tiled roof. This very precious remnant is not to be missed.

Cheoldanggan

Danggan (a banner pole made of stone, steel or wood which is used for fluttering during the performance of rituals) was made by the great Buddhist Euisangdaesa in the 19th year of King Munmu in the Tongilsilla period (680). Originally there were 28 banners but four of them were destroyed in the 35th year of King Gojong (1899), and now 24 of them remains. It was designated as Treasure No. 256. It stands 15m tall and is made of iron.

Sinwonsa [Temple]

Sinwonsa, an old temple rebuilt by the Buddhist priest Bodeokhwasang in the 11th year of King Uija (651) is located at the southern outskirt of Gyeryongsan, Yeoncheonbong - roughly 50ri (20km) from the south of Gongju. It has been remodeled several times and is famous for its lotus flower patterned tile. Inside Sinwonsa there are Daeungjeon, Dokseonggak, Yeongsanjeon, and many other small temples as well as Jungakdan (an altar to perform religious services). There are also other cultural assets including a five-story pagoda (Local Tangible Cultural Asset No. 31) and octagonal Budo.

Eunsun Falls

Climbing up along the valley from Donghaksa, one is led to Eunseonpokpo (Falls). It stands 50m tall and falls directly down from the cliff. It is considered the coolest place in the forest during summer to make forget hot weather.

Donghaksa Valley

A 2km-long stream runs into the entrance of Donghaksa ( Temple ). The hundred-year-old trees and fantastic rocks are seen as a graceful oriental painting that attracts visitors.

end import. —Daniel 19:13, 6 August 2007 (UTC)

  • Seoraksan National Park, in Gangwon-do, 398.53 km².
  • Songnisan National Park, in Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 274.54 km².
  • Hallasan National Park, in Jeju-do, 153.39 km².
  • Naejangsan National Park, in Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do, 81.72 km².
  • Gayasan National Park, in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 77.07 km².
  • Deogyusan National Park, in Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, 231.65 km².
  • Odaesan National Park, in Gangwon-do, 303.93 km².
  • Juwangsan National Park, in Gyeongsangbuk-do, 107.43 km².
  • Bukhansan National Park, in Seoul and Gyeonggi, 79.92 km².
  • Chiaksan National Park, in Gangwon-do, 181.63 km².
  • Woraksan National Park, Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 287.98 km².
  • Sobaeksan National Park, Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 322.38 km².
  • Wolchulsan National Park, Jeollanam-do, 56.1 km².
  • Byeonsanban-do National Park, Jeollabuk-do, 154.72 (9.2 km² water).

Marine parks

  • Dadohae Haesang National Park, Jeollanam-do, 2,321.51 km² (1,986.68 km² water).
  • Hallyeo Haesang National Park, Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, 545.63 km² (395.48 km² water).
  • Taean-haean National Park, Chungcheongnam-do, 326.57 km² (289.54 km² water).

See also

External links

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  1. ↑ Korea National Park
  2. ↑ [2]
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