National parks of South Korea

From New World Encyclopedia

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

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

Gyeongju National Park, in Gyeongsangbuk-do, 138.72 km². [1]

Gyeryongsan National Park

Gyeryongsan National Park,in Chungcheongnam-do and Daejeon, 64.68 km².


imported from National Park Service —Daniel 19:13, 6 August 2007 (UTC) [2]

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)



begin import National Park Service

[3]

Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park, in Gangwon-do, 398.53 km². Sinheungsa[temple]. A monk named Jajangyulsa built Sinheungsa to the east of Norumok in the 6th year of Queen Jindeok (652)of Silla Dynasty. He also built the nine-story pagoda to enshrine the sarira of Buddha - he called it "Hyangseongsa." Later, Hyangseongsa was moved to the present site, and given the new name, "Sinheungsa" during the reign of King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty. In the precincts, Geugnakbojeon, Bojeru, Gyeongpan, Myeongbujeon, and Hyangseongsaji three-story pagoda have been preserved. Visitors can also see the attached temples, Gyejoam, Naewonam, Anyangam and Geumganggul(cave). This temple has 40 branch temples in the northern part of Gangwondo province.

Gwongeumseong. There are high rocks, called Gwongeum-seong, to the south of Sogongwon. It takes 8 minutes to travel to Gwongeumseong (12km), by cable car. On the cable station, you will see the magnificent Ulsanbawi (rock). At the top, East Sea and Sokcho city can be seen at a glance. Looking west, you will see an exquisite cliffs, such as Gongnyongneungseon (Dragon Ridgeline), Cheonhwadae, Madeungnyeong, and Jeohangnyeong. Gwongeumseong is named after two men, Mr. Kim and Kwon, who built it to hide themselves from war.

Baekdamsa [Temple]. A monk named Jajangyulsa built Baekdamsa, one of the representative temples of Nae(Inner) Seorak. It was named "Hangyesa" during the reign of Queen Jindeok (647) of Silla. However, its name was changed several times, and it was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire. Baekdamsa was named during the rein of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty. The temple gained widespread fame because Han Yongun, a prominent poet, decided to enter the Buddhist priesthood in this temple.


end import National Park Service


Songnisan National Park

Songnisan National Park,in Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 274.54 km².


begin National Park Servic paste. —Daniel 19:48, 6 August 2007 (UTC)

[4] Beopjusa [Temple]

Uisinjosa, a celebrated monk, built Beopjusa in the 14th year of King Jinheung of Silla (553), 24 years after Buddhism was first introduced to the Silla Kingdom.Beopjusa has been repaired and remodeled several times since then. Numerous cultural assets remain within Beopjusa (Temple). Among them is the only five-story wooden pagoda in Korea, Palsang-jeon Hall until now. Other assets include Ssangsajaseokdeung(stone lantern), Seongnyeonji(Pond), Sacheonwang-mun(Gate), Sacheonwangseokdeung (stone lantern), as well as some natural monuments. The highest Buddha statue (33m) in the world, Cheongdongmireukbul (Buddha's statue made of bronze), was built in April 1990, with 160 tons of bronze and 80kg of gold. Buddhist sculptuers are carved inside the basement under the statue.

Bokcheonam

King Injo of Joseon Dynasty had built Bokcheonam temple as a place where he could pray for the country's prosperity. There are two pagodas that preserve relics of Buddha nearby. They are known as Suamhwasangtap (local cultural property No.12) and Hakjodeunggokhwasangtap (No. 13).

Daeungbojeon

Daeungbojeon is one of the three famous Buddhist praying halls in Korea along with Muryangsa in Buyeo and Hwaeomsa in Gurye. It covers about 562m2, and is consisted of 120 rooms and 315 pillars 12m in height. Priest Byeogamdaesa built the highest sitting Buddha in Korea, Samjonbulsang. It is 5.5m high and 6.6m wide.

Jeongipumsong [pine tree]

In the Beopjusa district is a famous red pine tree, roughly 800 years old. It is a bestowed natural monument (No. 103), which is famed for a legend that relates to King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty. There is a following legend, while King Sejo was riding a palanquin on his way to Beopjusa, the branches of a huge tree hung so low that the palanquin could not pass. Suddenly, the branches magically rose to clear the way. King Sejo bestowed the tree a minister rank, Jeongipum(second grade), as a token of his appreciation.

Seogyeonji

Seogyeonji was built in the 19th year of King Seondeok of Silla (720), and is a designated national treasure (No. 64). It was built 1.96m high, and 6.65m wide on an octagonal foundation stone. It is said to comprise three elements: clouds for the bottom; lotus flowers for the middle; and Yeonhwadae which stands for paradise.


end National Park Service past —Daniel 19:48, 6 August 2007 (UTC)

Hallasan National Park

Hallasan National Park, in Jeju-do, 153.39 km².


Naejangsan National Park

Naejangsan National Park, in Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do, 81.72 km².


National Park Service paste begin. —Daniel 19:55, 6 August 2007 (UTC)

[5] Naejangsa [Temple]

A monk named Yeongeunjosa built Naejangsa during the 37th year of King Mu of Baekje Dynasty (636). However, it was originally built as Budojeon, near Naejangsa, which also has 50 Buddhist temples named Yeongeunsa.

It was remodeled during the reign of King Sukjong of the Goryeo Dynasty and also during King Myeongjong of Joseon. It was rebuilt again during the period of King Jeongjo of Joseon after being destroyed by fire during the war, Jeongyoujaeran.

The main temple was moved to Baengnyeonam, (renamed Baengnyeonsa) in 1925, and Yeongeunam was moved to the old site of the temple. Naejangsa (Temple) was built on its current site in 1938.

Baegyangsa [Temple]

Baegyangsa(temple) is situated under Baekhak-bong peak where there are mysterious rocky cliffs rising high like cranes ascending to the skies. A monk named Yeohwanseonsa ('seonsa' stands for Buddhist priest) built the temple named Baegamsa during the 33rd year of King Mu of Baekje Dynasty. Later, Jungyeon-seonsa remodeled it and named it Jeongtosa, but it changed to Baegyangsa again in 1034.

According to the legend, Hwanyang-seonsa held Buddhist ceremonies, and many people gathered to hear his preaches. On the third day, a white sheep came down from the mountain. On the last day of the ceremony, the sheep showed up in the monk's dream and said, "Lee sinned in heaven and became a sheep, but I can return to heaven after listening to your sermon." That night, the monk found a dead sheep under the Yeongcheonam(temple), and finally its name to Baegyangsa(white sheep temple).

Gukgidan, behind Baegyangsa, was used for the performance of religious services to pray for the country's safety and welfare, during the 36th year of King Seonjo(1063) and the 3rd year of Hyeonjong (1662).

Walking up the right hand road from Ssanggyeru of Baegyangsa, you can see a small Cheonjinam(Temple) where Buddhist nuns cultivate themselves.

Wonjeogam [Temple]

Passing through the Bija tree forest, to the northwest of Naejangsa, there is a small Buddhist temple built during the 3rd year of King Seonjong of Goryeo(1086).

In Wonjeogam, situated under Bulchulbong(Peak), there was a small laid down ivory statue of Buddha, the only such statue in Korea. It is by no means inferior to the one in Wabulsa(Temple) in Beijing, China. Unfortunately, it was stolen during Japanese invasion.

The current statue is also made of ivory, and has engravings of the figure of Buddha entering nirvana.

The section of Bija forest in front of Wonjeogam has been designated as a Natural Treasure. Visitors also love this place, along with its autumn foliage.

Byeongnyeonam [Temple]

Byeongnyeonam is designated Local Treasure No. 73, and it is said that this temple was original Naejangsa. It is located at the top of Seoraebong Jungbong (330m). Recently, Yeongeunam(Naejangsa for now) is changed its name to Naejangsa, and this place was called as Baengnyeonam, and it is changed again to Byengnyeonam later. Hwanhaeseonsa began to build the temple during the 20th year of King Uija of Baekje Dynasty (660). Baekhakseonsa later remodeled the main temple Geungnakbojeon, Yosi and built Seon-dang(Hosangseorim) in 1925. This was destroyed, however, during the Korean War in 1951.

A noted calligrapher of the Joseon Dynasty, a man by the pen name of Chusa, Kim Jeonghui stayed here to cultivate himself, and suggested the change of name from Baengnyeonam to Byeong-nyeonam. He placed some of his writing on the wall, but along with the temple, it was destroyed during the war. On the western side, there are Seokjongbudo (age unknown), and Seongranjeong created by a woman calligrapher, Mongryeondang, Kim Jinmin.

It is interesting that, according to legend, a monk named Himukdaesa threw rocks from the top of Seoraebong, and one of his disciples caught them and piled them up. Reconstruction of this structure began in 1986, in accordance with the restoration plans of the government authority.

Ibamsan Fortress

According to the historical book "Donggukjeollansa(records of wars)", building began of the fortress in the Baekje period and was used to defeat the Mongo, during Goryeo. It is assumed that the fortress was also used for defending Baekje from Silla and Goguryeo. The fortress is 5,208m long, and features a tombstone of General Yoon Jin, who fought against Japanese soldiers and died.


National Park Service paste end. —Daniel 19:55, 6 August 2007 (UTC)

Gayasan National Park

Gayasan National Park, in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 77.07 km².


Deogyusan National Park

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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