Choi Family's Old House in Gyeongju !

   It is said that this house served as the head house of  Geongju Choi clam and was built around 1700.
   It consists of a Saranchae (men's living quarters or detached house) ,
   an Anche  ( women's living quarters or  main building,
  a Munganche ( servants' living quarters, a Sadang (shrine) and a Gobang (storage quarters),
  being well-situated on the grounds full of sunshine  alongside Namcheon  river and backed
  by the Wolseong Palace.

Originally , the house is said to have had 99 kan (the largest space granted to king's subject during the Joseon Dynasty) , but the Sarangche and  Byeoldang (detached annex used for a private village school )
were burnt in 1970, and now that remains is post stones.

Its shrine features a depth of surfaces, preserving the typical nole-class housing in the Joseon Dynasty
(1392-1910).  Since the Choi family settled in Gyo-dong during the middle of Joseon , they have kept
enormous wealth through 12 generation, practicung noblesse oblige and cultivating scholars in the 9 generations.

                                   Important folkole materials No.27
                                  Location : 69 Gyo-dong , Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do , korea.

   

The beauty of Busan Taejongdae

The beauty of Busan  Taejongdae
Taejongdae, a park located at the southern end of Yongdo Island, commands magnificent views.
The name Taejongdae comes from the fact that King Taejong Muyol of the Shilla Dynasty was infatuated with this scenery and made frequent visits to this area. This location is the closest point to the Japanese island of Tsushima, which you can see from Taejongdae on a fine day

Shinsun Rock
The legend has it that shinsuns (Taoist hermits with supernatural powers) strolled on this rock. That is why this location came to be called Shinsundae. Erosion by waves, has produced the majestic scenery of Taejongdae. The superb view of the ocean from Shinsundae makes you marvel at the wonders of nature.

Taejongdae Observatory
When you look at the ocean from the observation deck of Taejongdae, you feel thoroughly refreshed. The location where the observation deck stands used to be called Suicide Rock. In front of the Observation Deck, there is a statue of a mother with her son, symbolizing a mother’s warm love.

(tip )Danubi Train
To protect the beautiful scenery of Taejongdae and for the safety of tourists, automobile traffic is prohibited in this area. Transportation is provided by the Danubi Train, which can be used any time during the day for which one has been admitted.

Information
home:  San 29-1, Dongsam-2dong, Yeongdo-gu, inside Taejongdae Park
tel   051)405-2004
trafficinside Taejongdae Park (by Danubi train)

     Ref. 왕도 반해 쉬어간 산책길 연인들이 데이트하며 걷기 좋은길 태종대
                              http://blog.daum.net/damotoli/7281418

GATBAWI of 8 best sights in Mokpo city.

                                       GATBAWI  of  8 best sights in  Mokpo city.

                      Gatbawi is called IpAmBanJo(scene of gatbawi with the sunset) from old times,
                       and was beloved as 8 best sights of  Mokpo.

                      GATBAWIis a pair of rocks which looks loke a two people wearing
                           SATGAT standing together.
                     GATBAWI has incredible geological value by showing erosion from wave,
                        ocean current etc and rock altering from the effects of air, water etc.

                        Also, gatbawi is the natural sculpture, tafoni, without any artificial factors
                          and has a rarity that can not be found in other area's tafonis.



In 2009 April 27th, it was registered as the 500th natural monuments
of natural historic places.

Focusing on Busan New Port

When darkness permeates the ocean mist, with the silence broken only by the sound of the waves breaking on the shore, a white gleam of light rising from the water’s edge awaits the burning glow of the morning sun. The promise of a new dawn brings eternal hope and the sea and rivershores of Busan at Gangseo are witnessing a new age of prosperity.

This is a new industrial center of Busan, aspiring to become the logistics hub of Northeast Asia. The wishes of those with global dreams brighten up the nights of this port. The ocean-going vessels advancing to a world beyond the sea inspire us to dream of discovering that world for ourselves.

Information
     * home :1488 Seongbuk-dong, Gangseo-gu
     * tel  : +82-51-601-8114
     Getting there(Focusing on Busan New Port)From Gimhae International Airport : Bus 1009
     → Busan New Port
     From Busan Station : Metro Line 1, Hadan Station(Exit 3 or 5) → Bus 58 → Busan New Port
    From Busan Central Bus Terminal : Metro Line 1, Hadan Station(Exit 3 or 5) → Bus 58
           → Busan New Port
     Metro : Metro Line 1, Hadan Station(Exit 3 or 5) → Bus 58 → Busan New Port
     Contact Gangseo-gu Office : tel +82- 51-970-4071
      Sasang-gu Office : tel +82- 51 - 310-4061

Introduction of Seowoonam in Yangsan Tongdosa Temple

                                    Seowoonam (Temple)
                           Location : 583 Jisan-ri, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan City kyeongnam porvince
                          Phone: +82- 55-380-4823
                         Transportation: Use Gyeongbu Expressway Tongdosa (Temple) IC
                          ->Tongdosa (Temple)->Seowoonam (Temple) Seowoonam

                                     Introduction of Seowoonam  in Yangsan Tongdosa Temple

                            extended by Sungpa(monk) hosted 3,000 porcelain statues of Buddha
                           made of earth for 5 years since 1985, and recreated dyeing technique - Korean
                           traditional dyeing - once lost.


                          It succeeded in developing traditional soy-sauce adding herb medicines after
                          3 years of research.
                        It is also being utilized as a place of learning nature by creating 'Wild Flower Colony'
                         by planting about 100 kinds of wild flowers at nearby hills of Seowoonam (Temple)
                        with the size of 60,000m2.
 
 
 

Throw yourself into the love of Chunhyang in Namwon city

Namwon is the hometown of Chunhyang (a virtuous woman, the daughter of an entertainer during
the Joseon Dynasty) and the home of the classic folk drama Chunhyang.
Namwon's generous people and chastity customs created the Chunhyang story,
the nation's time-honored favorite love story.
We offer Chunhyang tours through the country's quintessential garden,
the Namwon Gwanghallu Garden, and sites permeated with the Chunhyang love.

Gwanghallu Garden (광안루)
This is the country's classic traditional garden built as a symbol of the universe.
Nearby, the garden offers Ojak Bridge, as well as a lake with three mountain
 symbolizing Yeongju (Mt. Halla), Bongnae (Mt. Geumgang) and Bangjang (Mt. Jiri).
According to legend, on every July 7th of the lunar calendar, thousands of crows come together
 and make the Ojak Bridge to allow the Altair and the Weaver to meet each other,
and then Chunhyang and her fiance Lee Mong-ryong have a romantic rendezvous on the bridge,
thus completing its construction (historical relic No. 303)


Cheongheobu Gate
This is the main gate of the Gwanghallu Garden and represents the entrance to the Moon Place.
Symbolically, the moment you pass through the gate, you leave behind the earthly world
and set your foot on the celestial world.

Wanwoljeong Pavilion
This pavilion is built on a pond as people longed for the celestial life and wanted to enjoy the moon.
The pavilion faces toward the east where the moon rises.
Namwon offers major events of the Chunhyang Festival here.

Chunhyang Shrine
This shrine was built in the bamboo forest in the memory of Chunhyang's spirit.
The bamboo symbolizes chastity. As you enter a gate with the letters 'dansim,
' meaning faithful mind, you will see a hanging board with the letters
'yeollyeo Chunhyangsa,' meaning “chaste Chunhyang shrine,” as well as a portrait of Chunhyang
that was painted by the painter Kim Eun-ho.

Wolmae's House
This includes the Buyongdang House and the Haengrangchae House where Chunhyang
and Lee Mongryong pledged their marriage.
It displays wax dolls showing the lifestyle and appliances of the time.
The house also presents their love oath plate and Lee Mong-ryong's resolution to pass
the high-profile civil service examination.
Visitors can also buy Chunhyang character products here.

Chunhyang Memorial Hall
This was constructed in 1992, and presents nine paintings by painter Paik Nam-jae,
as well as paintings and calligraphies,
and accessories and books showing Chunhyang' life and the lifestyle of her time.

              Ref. 광한루 춘향과 이몽룡의 러브스토리 장소?
                                  http://blog.daum.net/damotoli/7281017

Tourism information on Yangsan Tongdosa temple

Introduction on Tongdosa (Temple) 


Location583 Jisang-ri, Habuk-myeong, Yangsan city
Phone +82- 55-382-4112
Transportation : Take bus to Sinpyeong (Tongdosa (Temple)) from Busan Nopo-dong Cross-country Bus Terminal and get off at Tongdosa (Temple). (every 20 minutes) Specialities
Wild edible greens, acorn-starch jelly, Codonopsis lanceolata

A thousand year old temple located within in YeongChuksan (Mt.) and it is one of the three temples with three treasures (Buddha, the law of Buddha and a Buddhist monk) in Korea enshrining the relic of the Buddha.

Jajang (monk) who headed to Dang (China) for religious study founded the temple on 15th year of Queen Sunduk (Year 646) of Silla Dynasty by bringing the relic of the Buddha. Since that day, the lantern has never been extinguished for 1,3000 years and there is only a Buddhist alter without an image of Buddha in the main temple and it enshrines a relic of the Buddha at Geumgang Commandments Altar. Tongdosa (Temple) has the most number of tangible Buddhist cultural artefacts (43 types) among Korean temples and Tongdosa (Temple) Sungbo Museum newly opened in April 15 1999 is the only museum exclusively for Buddhist paintings in the world.

Iljumoon ()
This gate is the first gate to the temple and its characteristic is that the columns are arranged in a single line. Ilju (一住 - Single Column) means the arrangement of columns but the actual meaning is originated from ‘Bupwhagyung (the Sutra of the Lotus)'. It originated from the great cause of Bupwhagyung of ‘Gather Three and Return back to One (會三歸一)’ which means gather 'Three Ascensions' and return back to 'One Ascension' which is the greatest ascension. The caligraphy on the hanging board hung in front reads YeongChuksan (Mt.) Tongdosa (Temple) written by Heungsun Daewongun and the verse on a pillar is by Heagang Kim Gyujin and it reads as 'Buljijongga (佛之宗家) Gukjidaechal (國之大刹)'.

Statues of The Four Devas
The statues of the Four Devas are gods governing four regions of East, West, South and North which are the lowest regions of the Heaven and Earth. These statues are said to be erected in the middle of Chosun Dynasty.


The Main Temple and Geumgang Commandments Altar (National Treasure No 290)
The Main Temple is installed with Geumgang Commandments Altar hosting the relics of the Buddha thus a separate image of Buddha was not hosted. Geumgang Commandments Altar means strong and precious commandments like diamonds.

It symbolizes that Buddha is always there and the present Geumgang Commandments Altar was repaired throughout Goryo·Chosun Dynasty. The relics of Buddha is kept in a bell-shaped stone structure in the middle of Geumgang Commandments Altar. The inside of 1st pillar is engraved with a celestial being and the outside is engraved with Sakra, a guardian god of protecting Buddhism. Geumgang Commandments Altar is praised as an important cultural artefacts in terms of construction structures and studies on the history of construction as well as the meaning that the Commandments has.

Geumgang Commandments Altar
The founding spirit of Tongdosa (Temple) lies with the Geumgang Commandments Altar enshrining the relics of Buddha. The reason that Tongdosa (Temple) has become the temple based on Buddhist Commandments of Silla Dynasty is because being commanded from Geumgang Commandments Altar where the relics of Buddha are enshrined has the same meaning as actually being commanded by Buddha himself.
Guryongsinjin (Nine Dragon Pond)
It is located to the west of the Main Temple and the pond is oval in shape with the size of 13~17m2 and a stone bridge is constructed above. It contains the myth on the foundation of Tongdosa (Temple).

Bongbaltop (Monk's Wooden Rice Bowl Pagoda) (Treasure No 471)
A stone Bongbaltop (Monk's Wooden Rice Bowl Pagoda) with the height of 2m in front of Yongwhajeon of Jungrojeon is constructed by creating rice bowls of enlightened person as tally of Buddha expecting the appearance of Maitreya (the Merciful Buddha).

First, a lower stone is placed on top of a fountain. Then an octagonal stone is put in place. Finally a top stone is placed on the octagonal stone with a covered bowl.

It is shaped like a stone lantern at a glance but it is special that lighting place is located at the foot. This stone Bongbal (wooden rice bowl) is believed to be originated from the Buddhist scripture of 'the disciples of Buddha is waiting to present rice bowl of Buddha to Maitreya (the Merciful Buddha) who will appear in the world to come.'

Three-story Stone Pagoda (Treasure No 1471)
This stone pagoda featuring the characteristics of the end of Unified Silla Dynasty is a normal three-story stone pagoda created by layering 3 stories of spire on 2 stories of base on top of a huge base stone and it is 3.9m tall.

It is an important material for understanding masonry historical properties of Tongdosa (Temple) along with worshipping stone in front of the pagoda.
 

The Namwon wanghallu Garden permeated with the Chunhyang love !

Namwon is the hometown of Chunhyang (a virtuous woman, the daughter of an entertainer during
the Joseon Dynasty) and the home of the classic folk drama Chunhyang.
Namwon's generous people and chastity customs created the Chunhyang story,
the nation's time-honored favorite love story.

We offer Chunhyang tours through the country's quintessential garden,
the Namwon Gwanghallu Garden, and sites permeated with the Chunhyang love.

Gwanghallu Garden (광안루)
This is the country's classic traditional garden built as a symbol of the universe.
Nearby, the garden offers Ojak Bridge, as well as a lake with three mountain
deities symbolizing Yeongju (Mt. Halla), Bongnae (Mt. Geumgang) and Bangjang (Mt. Jiri). According to legend, on every July 7th of the lunar calendar, thousands of crows come together and make
 the Ojak Bridge to allow the Altair and the Weaver to meet each other,
and then Chunhyang and her fiance Lee Mong-ryong have a romantic rendezvous on the bridge,
thus completing its construction (historical relic No. 303)



Cheongheobu Gate
This is the main gate of the Gwanghallu Garden and represents the entrance to the Moon Place.
Symbolically, the moment you pass through the gate, you leave behind the earthly world
and set your foot on the celestial world.

Wanwoljeong Pavilion
This pavilion is built on a pond as people longed for the celestial life and wanted to enjoy the moon.
The pavilion faces toward the east where the moon rises.
Namwon offers major events of the Chunhyang Festival here.

Chunhyang Shrine
This shrine was built in the bamboo forest in the memory of Chunhyang's spirit.
The bamboo symbolizes chastity. As you enter a gate with the letters 'dansim,
' meaning faithful mind, you will see a hanging board with the letters
'yeollyeo Chunhyangsa,' meaning “chaste Chunhyang shrine,” as well as a portrait of Chunhyang
that was painted by the painter Kim Eun-ho.


Wolmae's House
This includes the Buyongdang House and the Haengrangchae House where Chunhyang
and Lee Mongryong pledged their marriage.
It displays wax dolls showing the lifestyle and appliances of the time.
The house also presents their love oath plate and Lee Mong-ryong's resolution to pass
the high-profile civil service examination.
Visitors can also buy Chunhyang character products here.


Chunhyang Memorial Hall
This was constructed in 1992, and presents nine paintings by painter Paik Nam-jae,
as well as paintings and calligraphies,
and accessories and books showing Chunhyang' life and the lifestyle of her time.

    Ref. : 춘향과 이몽룡의 러브스토리 장소 남원 광안루!
              http://blog.daum.net/damotoli/7281017

Yangdong historic Folk Village in Kyungju

                Yangdong Folk Village - Village Guide

Designated as important cultural property(Important folklore data 189) on December 24th, 1984
and surrounded by Mt. Soelchang in the north of Kyungju City, Yangdong is a historic noble village
 inherited for 500 years by Kyungju Son great head family and Yoeju Lee great head family.

The village is the biggest and representative one of the same family name in Chosun Dynasty,
20 km northeast from Kyungju City, located in beautiful natural environment,
 hundreds years old tile-roofed houses and low ston walls.

There are important folklore data such as Tongamsokpyun(National Treasure 283),
 Muchumdang(Treasure 411), Hyangdan(Treasure 412), Kwangajoeng(Treasure 422),
Sonso Yongjoeng(Treasure 1216) and 13 important folklore data designated by city
such as Soebackdang(Important folklore data 23), cultural properties designated by province
such as Sonso property distribution document(Kyungbuk Tangible Cultural Property 14) and
8 folk cultural properties designated by city such as Kyungsan Soedang(Folk Cultural Properties).

Visitors of the village would need Korean manners since the historic village is a rare noble village
 even in Korea.


 History
There are no exact document since when people started to live in Yangdong Folk Village.
But it is believed to begin B.C. 4C according to archeologists' report that more than 100 stone
 coffin tombs which stems from the Bronze Age were on the hills of Mt. Sungju in the village.

Some patriarch level people are believed to had lived in the village around 4~5C in the period of the
Three States considering the fact that there were old tombs in the neighbor village Angyeri and Ohs
and Jangs of Asan are said to had formed a small village.

After that, Lee, bun who is Lee, Gwang ho's great grandson of a cousin and won Sungjong's favor married to the first daughter of Son, so and moved to here. Lee, Un jeok(1491-1553), the first son of them were born and Yangdong folk village is formed today by the Sons' and Lees'.


Village size and Natural Environment
The ridgeline and valley which stem from Munjangbong summit of Mt. Soelchang, the background and the guardian mountain of the village are forming 勿 type of geographical feature and there are rumors about the story.

As an instance, they dismissed Japan's plan to build a railroad through the village and turned Yangdong Elementary school facing south to east by saying that 勿 becomes 血(blood) by adding a stroke under it.

Yangdong folk village is a big village formed by four valleys, Naegok, Mulbongol, Goerim and Hachon, two ridgelines, Mulbong and Sujoldang and Galgudok and which has 500 year-old old houses and straw roofed houses with a thick forest.

One of the biggest characteristics of Yangdong village is that beautiful natural environment and houses are in such a good harmony and peaceful atmosphere created by birds.



Traffic Guide
Bus
Get on &offs : Get on at Kyungju Station → Get off at Yandong Village entrance → 1.2km from village entrance to village by foot

Bus Number : Take 200, 201-208, 212, 217 Bus at Kyungju Station (7 minute interval, Takes 40 minutes) →Get off at Yangdong village entrance → 1.2km to village by foot

Bus Company : Chunma Traffic 82-54-776-8905, Hanil Traffic 82-54-772-4885

Passenger Car
Kyungbu Highway Youngchun I.C →Downtown of Youngchun → Take 28 national highway to Angang for 34km Entrance → Turn right and drive 1.2km → Yangdong Village

Take national highway 7 from Gyungju Station to Pohang, drive 19km → Proceed 2km after taking national highway 28 from Gangdong I.C to Angang →Turn right at the entrance of Yangdong village(Gangdong Bridge 2) and proceed 1.2km → Yangdong Village

Airplane
Pohang Airport 19km, Ulsan Airport 52km
Korean Air 82-1588-2001, Asiana Airline 82-1588-8000

     REF.  영국 찰스황태자가 방문했던 경주 양동민속마을
                            http://blog.daum.net/damotoli/7280785
 

Changseon- Samcheonpo Bridges

      Changseon- Samcheonpo Bridges

The bridges that connect Daebang, Sacheon to Changseon, Namhae consist of 5 bridges of Samcheonpo, Choyang, Neukdo, Danhang, and Eonggae Bridges spanning 3.5km in total. Each bridge was built with different method. These bridges enable convenient transportation of local products as well as attract people for their beauty as they are well harmonized with the surrounding nature. Especially, the lighting at night creates a

wonderful scene in combination with the blue sea and stops motorists and tourists.

Jeonju Hanok Village has 700 traditional Korean houses.

      Introduction of  Jeonju Hanok Village

      Jeonju has a millennium-old history of being home to many dynasties and reigns of royalty.
     Jeonju Hanok Village has 700 traditional Korean houses, Hanok that are still home to residents today.

Hanok Village is the best-preserved living traditional village.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Korea.
Jeonju also hosted the FIFA World Cup 2002, which saw grand scale refurbishments to many areas
 in Jeonju for World Cup visitors.

Many traditional and historic sites are excellently preserved in Jeonju such as Gyeonggi Palace,
Jeondong Catholic Church, Pungnam-dong, Omokdae, Hyanggyo, Gwonhwon Fortress ruins,
Namgo Fortress and many others historic sites.
There are also traditional culture learning centers such as art crafts exhibition halls,

master products exhibition centers, Hanok Living Experience centers, traditional alcohol museum,
Hanji centers, and herbal medicine experience centers.

People can also participate in learning about and making traditional art crafts such as Hapjukseon
or Taegukseon (fans) along with trying out the traditional tea shops and restaurants.
Jeonju offers visitors much to see do and eat.

Historically, the neighboring area of Kyo-dong,
Pungnam-dong and the urban Hanok are the living record of Korea’s modernization process
and the transformation of housing since 1910.
 Many scholars and civil organization demand the preservation and management
of the area with important governmental authority to provide preservation,

improvement and management under strict supervision.
Jeonju’s urban Hanok Village is the only place
that so well preserves the old traditional streets, houses and structures from Korea’s past.

Jeonju Hanok Village Now
 Location : Vicinity of Wansan-gu Jeonju City Pungnam-dong, Kyo-dong Size 296,330㎡
 Population ;  2,202(Male 1,097/Female 1,105)
Number of Households : 995 ,
 Housing Status : 708 Houses (Hanok 543, Non-Hanok 165)Key Facilities