Showing posts with label buzz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buzz. Show all posts

Saturday, 23 August 2014

[Jeonju] - Gyeonggijeon Main Hall (경기전 정전)

Gyeonggijeon Main Hall 경기전 정전 - a must visit Cultural Site Attraction in Jeonju| by Meheartseoul
Though didn't manage to submit full story of Gyeonggijeon in webtoon for 'Korea, My Love' event.  I'll continue to compile the photos in cartoon version for this posting even it took longer time for me to edit them... Hope you like and enjoy it~^^

Do you know that every last Wednesday of the month is designated as It's Cultural day in Korea? People can have free or discounted admissions to palaces, museums, national theaters, and participated private cultural institutions or galleries. 

Coincidentally, we visited this Historical Site no. 339, Gyeonggijeon Shrine on Cultural Day. Besides free admission, we also enjoyed awesome free English guided tour which I want to share here...

Do take note that you need to gather in front of Hongsalmun at 11:00 am to join that free English tour. 

Must Visit in Jeonju: Gyeonggijeon Main Hall 경기전 정전 | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Gyeonggijeon means palace built on auspicious ground. 
It's built in 1410 (10th year of Taejong) to enshrine the royal portrait of 
his father King Taejo (the founder of Joseon Dynasty). 

The guide explained to us why there is  red gate with no door standing there. We followed here as she's walking through this gate. Then, she congratulated and praised us that we all manage to pass through this gate! ㅎㅎ

Then, we stopped again under this tree and listen to interesting things about this 'naked tree' ...

Must Visit in Jeonju: Gyeonggijeon Main Hall 경기전 정전 | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Baerong Tree: "Please stop tickling me~!"

Must Visit in Jeonju: Gyeonggijeon Main Hall 경기전 정전 | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
'Road of God (신도)'
According to oriental concept... the sun rise in the East,  and set in 
the West, you should go in from the right and come out from left side. 

We're blocked by this small red fence, and the guide asked us to turn right to go inside after explaining the reason behind it. We didn't guess correctly when she asked to guess what were the two ornaments on the middle of the roof. Do you want to make a guess? No... no, not coffee beans! They're tortoises~! 

This main hall is where the portrait of King Taejo enshrined. This place has hidden cultural code the power of chief gatekeeper might have been great. The carpenter put these two tortoises on the roof for its eternity. It's believed that they prevented this wooden building safe from burnt down during Japanese invasion.

Another hidden code is at the main entrance of Gyeonggijeon on the roadside. On the 'Hamabi' tortoise monument, it's written '至此皆下馬雜人毋得入' meaning: 'Anyone who arrives here should dismount from their horse disregard of their classes and social position, and outsiders are forbidden from entering'.

Must Visit in Jeonju: Gyeonggijeon Main Hall 경기전 정전 | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Photo: Source

In front of King Taejo's portrait, we're asked to count the claws on the king's robe (곤룡포 = Gollyongpo). The guide told us that you can know the position from their robes. Five-clawed dragon (오조룡보 ohjoeryongbo) emblem is for the King, the Crown Prince has four-clawed dragon (사조룡보 sajoeryongbo), while three-clawed dragon (삼조룡보 samjoeryongbo) for the eldest son of the Crown Prince. 

Walking from main hall to Jeonju Sago, we passed this beautiful bamboo garden and Maehwa tree...

Gyeonggjeon featured in movie 'Masquerade', 'My Way', and drama 'Painter of the Wind'.

Must Visit in Jeonju: Gyeonggijeon Main Hall 경기전 정전 | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
"Masquerade" filming location.

This movie is an interpretation of the missing 15 days in the Annals of Joseon Dynasty during Gwanghae's reign—designated by his 1616 journal entry, "One must not record that which he wishes to hide."

It's also major filming site of “Love in the Moonlight,” This lush bamboo grove inside the grounds of the shrine appeared in the first episode of the drama, when Ra-on entered the palace as a eunuch, meets the Crown Prince during her attempt to run away.

Must Visit in Jeonju: Gyeonggijeon Main Hall 경기전 정전 | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
'Precious' Maehwa (매화나무) and
Four Gentlemen Plants (사군자)...

Related Posts:
[Jeonju] - Evening at Omokdae Pavilion(오목대)
[Jeonju] - Hanbyeokdang Pavilion (한벽당)




"buzz KOREA", "buzz-Korea", "buzz Korea", "Korea" 


Sunday, 16 February 2014

September in Seoul - Incheon - Singapore [Day 7]

We headed to Seoul station after FantaStick show to collect back our luggage from Premium Travel Centre, then tapped our single use AREX transportation card to go to Incheon Airport.

Goodbye... my love


The nonstop ride from Seoul Station to Incheon Airport 
is just a comfortable 43 minutes ride.


There are other options to go to Incheon Airport such as Airport Limousine buses, taxi and Seoul Metropolitan Subway.


We don't have much time left after Fantastick Show, so we decided to have our dinner in airport. We selected AREX in order not to worry about traffic jams and discounted fare only 8,000 Won instead of 14,500 Won (this promotion fare is extended to the end of 2014).


Incheon Airport - World's Best Airport for 8 consecutive years!


Departure Hall


We hurried to Scoot's counter to check-in, and it's long queue and we're quite worried that not in time. However, we found out that actually there was flight delay. Quite irritating as they didn't even update the status in their website or inform us via email. 


We actually thought to go and eat first since it'll be delay... But, the counter didn't have the timing of the flight. They asked us to queue and check-in. We had no choice, but to wait in the queue.


My hubby just went to convenience store to buy
kimbap, taco, and rice wrapped with ham.


We took turn to queue and eat our dinner?! And we still couldn't go to eat even after check-in as the timing still not confirmed, and we need to wait for further information. 


Haiz, if we knew that, we won't rush to the airport and have nice dinner first. We just so bored waiting and waiting for about 4 hours... played games, surfed net, ate some snacks, watched Goddess of Fire that was airing on that day without English subtitle, and kids slept after tired playing games and talking more than dozen of different topics...


Annyeong Incheon airport... will say Annyeong again soon! So excited... start counting down!!!


Hahaha... really really sorry that I just finished my last trip posting. You know... endless spring-cleaning for Chinese New Year as no helper anymore. Then, very excited on planning for my next railroad trip (O-train, V-train, S-train). Busy editing last trip photos for photobook printout, and also very important thing... watching Korean Dramas: "Painter of the Wind" (2008), "The Heirs", "Empress Ki" and "My Love From Another Star"... oh, can't wait for the next episodes!!!

Ok, have a wonderful weekend~^^

Saturday, 1 February 2014

September in Seoul - Palsaek Samgyupsal [Day 7]

[Korea O-Train] Recommended Korean BBQ in Seoul: Palsaek Samgyupsal | by Meheartseoul
Do you like Korean BBQ? Kids like it so much, and we often go to Korean restaurants in Singapore for Korean BBQ too. But, let's taste the authentic Korean BBQ in Korea...


Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살)
Address: 18, Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul


Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
No queue outside doesn't mean that not crowded inside...

Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
... though still have available seats as the restaurant is quite spacious.
Palsaek Samgyeopsal (Eight colors flavors of pork belly meat), which seasoned with 8 kinds of special sauces (ginseng, wine, garlic, pine leaves, herbs, curry, soybean paste, and pepper).

Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
We're guided to our seats by the waitress, who can converse in Mandarin.
She asked us to hide our belongings inside the stool to avoid smelly smoke
from BBQ. What a brilliant idea~!

Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
In just a few minutes after we ordered 8-color set Samgyupsal , the waitresses 
filled up all the space of our table with Haemul Jjigae (seafood stew), Kimchi, 
lettuce, garlic, vegetables, and salad, and... 

Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
8-color set Samgyupsal on this special wooden plate that stated 
each of the flavors in English, Chinese and Japanese languages

Not to worry if you don't know how to BBQ them, as the waiters are going around and ready to assist customers to grill, flip and cut the samgyupsal to biteable size for you even without you asking them for help. Excellent service and everything is just so convenience:

Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
The grilling plate has hole and it's a bit slanted, so it's easy to discard the excessive oil 
from pork fat without the need to tilt the plate to the special built-in container on the table.

Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Self-serving cart for vegetables, kimchi, pepper, onion and ssamjang.

Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
growling tummies asking for juicy and tender samgyupsal~!

Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Ssam style & BBQ pork with salad ^^

Seoul Palsaek Samgyupsal (팔색삼겹살) BBQ | meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Menu with the price list hanging on the wall:
* 8-color set: 30,000 won
* 3-color set: 28,000 won
* Premium Samgyeopsal set: 43,000 won

* Each seasoned samgyeopsal (150 gr): 10,000 won

Highly recommended! It's really worth the price, especially you compare with the pricing in Singapore. The portion is actually enough for 2-3 adults, and you can taste 8 kinds of seasoned pork belly at one go~!!!

Related Posts:
~ Punggi Ginseng Rib (풍기 인삼 갈비)
~ [Jeonju] - All That Barbecue (올댓바베큐) Salad Buffet
~ 월매네 Traditional Folk Pub
~ Deodeok Bap (더덕밥) or Chez Maak (셰막)?


Wednesday, 18 December 2013

September in Seongyojang - [Day 6]

Seongyojang Hanok House - a must visit Tourist Attraction in Gangneung | by Meheartseoul
It's our last day in Gangneung, we'll be going back to Seoul. But before leaving Seongyojang, there's another recording on our participation of Korean Traditional Tea Ceremony.

After we had some breads and milk for breakfast in our room, we gathered again around 9 am. We didn't reserve for breakfast, as we usually have light breakfast. They insisted us to have breakfast as Seongyojang because they'd prepared Seongpyeon that we made yesterday and Chodang Sundubu (초당순두부) for us.

Traditional Cultural Experiences at Seongyojang | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Wow! We're a bit shocked to see our breakfast spread!

We're quite disappointed as we didn't eat Chodang Sundubu yesterday. It's the specialty food in Gangneung. It's to our surprised that we could taste this original Chodang Sundubu (watery tofu  made from locally grown soybeans and seawater, and is prepared and eaten within the same day) in Seongyojang. Therefore, although our tummy still full, we tried to clear most of the food with thankful heart.

~*~*~*~

Traditional Korean Tea Ceremony  

OMG! Never imagined that we could step our feet in this beautiful and quaint Hwallaejeong Pavilion (활래정) to experience 'Dado' - the etiquette and enjoyment of tea in an easy, formal and natural setting.

Traditional Cultural Experiences at Seongyojang | meheartsoul.blogspot.com  
 Dado (다도체험) - Korean Tea Ceremony

Traditional Cultural Experiences at Seongyojang | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
The sound of the hot water as it is carefully poured, the sight of varyingly clear
and colored liquids filling empty cups, inhaling the unique and delicate fragrance of the tea,
the hands that extend with poise to slow sip the tea lightly and rolled over the tongue
while savouring and appreciate the aromas to the taster’s lips that appeals to all five senses.
  
You know after learnt Dado, I was so tempted to buy a set of teaware  (차기 = chagi) to practice this art of preparing and enjoying tea in this delicate and cultured way. Please check this website for the procedure of the Korean Tea Ceremony and video guide ^^

Tea is said to be an aid to digestion after a meal and some claim it helps the complexion as well. It has no calories and is much lower in caffeine than coffee. Drinking green tea should be a calming experience that brings peace to your soul, and calms your nerves while allowing you time to think, dream or simply enjoy the fragrance and taste of the tea.
  
Traditional Cultural Experiences at Seongyojang | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
 Inside Hwallaejeong Pavilion with SBS crews and Mr Lee (KTO)
after filming ended enjoying drinking tea and eating Dasik (tea food),
while gazing the beautiful Lotus Pond. Please let the time stop there~!

Dasik (다식= Korean traditional sweet and cookies) is  appreciated for its artistic and decorative colors and patterns as well as for its pleasing sweet taste.  It is regarded as a healthful snack and classy dessert

The Teacher (선생님 = Seonsaengnim) explained to us about the philosophy of Korean food with yin-yang concept. It interacts and opposes itself in terms of its five flavours (Sour, Bitter, Salty, Spicy and Sweet), and also ingredients of five colours (Yellow, Black, White, Red and Green). Example: Sesame tastes bitter and it's benefited for brain development and stimulating function.
  
~*~*~*~


 Traditional Korean Game - Yutnori (윷놀이)

 Traditional Cultural Experiences at Seongyojang | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Let's play Yutnori (video link)

After tea ceremony, we supposed to go outside to play Yutnori, but it was drizzling. So, they arranged it to the next room inside this Pavilion.

Yut game is quite simple, but there are some special rules and you need some strategies to win the game. Please check the link for the instruction and you can try to throw yut stick from iBuzzKorea. Well, it's kinda interesting and fun that these two kiddos didn't want to stop playing, but after third rounds we had to stop as we're rushing back to Seoul.

We went back to our room to get the luggage, and met Director of Seongyojang to say thank you for the great hospitality given to our family during our stay. It was a great honour that SBS and KTO given our family this memorable and priceless chance to experience Korean Traditional Culture in Seongyojang.

For those interested to learn more about Dado or other Korean traditional cultural experiences, please check Seongyojang's website for more information.

Seongyojang must be very scenic in Winter with white snow blanketing it~! Annyeong...

Related Posts:

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

September in Seongyojang [Day 5]

Seongyojang Hanok House - a must visit Tourist Attraction in Gangneung | by Meheartseoul We arrived in Seongyojang just in time. The first photo taken there showed 5:52 pm, which taken about 10-15 minutes after we reached there, as Mr Nam asked to top up another 30,000 won for taxi fare on top of 20,000 won we agreed earlier. So, after spent few minutes talk, we just gave the amount rather than wasting time. We didn't want to trouble Travel Hotline 1330 for this small dispute.

Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
SBS started to record our activities in Seongyojang from the above spot.

Video Shooting Part I :  
Arriving in Seongyojang and walking to our room. Passing through the above gate with small slope, then unpacking our luggage in the room.
Ok, let's rewind what happened 15-20 minutes earlier before filming started...

Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System) van parked in front of Seongyojang.  

We quickly took out 3 luggage and all our belongings out from the taxi. The staff in-front of Ticket office recognised us, and asked one staff (Ahjumma) to bring us to our quarter. She didn't speak English, but I don't have problem with it because she talked slowly and using basic Korean words.

She showed us how to open the lock and wooden door, turn-on the light and air-con, she then brought us to toilet and shower room.
Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
shower room and toilet are on the other building next to our room.

Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
small TV set, fridge, air-con and 4 sets of traditional Korean pattern
mattresses, pillows and silky blankets are provided in the room.

Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Public bathroom looks old as they preserved the old wooden door outside,
but inside is clean and it's been renovated with modern facilities such as
water heater and shower head and frosted glass partitions

~*~*~*~

Suddenly a pretty lady walked towards me when I was about to go to washroom. She politely introduced herself and told me that they're from SBS. She told us that they wanted to film us entering Seongyojang. 

She said sorry that they didn't wait for our arrival so we'd to bring our luggage to the entrance and walking to our quarter again. I apologized to her, because it's actually our fault as we arrived a little bit late, and maybe they had waited us earlier. But I guessed she just didn't want us to feel bad. Such a nice young lady!

 Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Please click this link for the news and video 
aired on SBS channel on 22 Sep 2013.

Then after recorded that segment, we rest awhile in our room and gathered again around 7 pm to have dinner together. While waiting for the food being prepared, we had some chit chatting outside...

She said full set meal will be served, and was surprised when I said 한정식 좋아해요 (I like Hanjeongsik meal), as she didn't expect that I know how to speak Korean language. We chatted a bit here and there... about Korean food and cooking, Running Man,  Korean dramas, KTO, places we visited and will visit for the next few days, transportations to go around,...

While chatting, we just realized that Assistant Manager of Public Relations Department from KTO, Mr Lee J.H also came together with 3 crews from SBS.

They're wondering how did I find this Hanok house, as it was their first time in Seongyojang too.

Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
I found it from this interesting posting from KTO's website 

I don't know why... I just can't stop my love for Korean traditional cultures. It keeps growing deep deep down in my heart. I love to visit places with lots of historical sites like Gyeongju, love to see Hanok houses and pretty hanboks. Therefore, I love to watch Korean historical drama where I can see those historical sites or hanok folk villages, hanbok costumes with the histories behind them.

My kids were so excited when I told them it's actually nobleman's house during Joseon Dynasty with the maximum 99 rooms/kan. Law prohibited civilians from building houses with more than 100 rooms. (Kan: traditional measurement that corresponds to the space between two columns). Then, we decided to book this hanok room.

But, based from our experience from last year trip, most of the accommodations like hanok, pension house, minbak, and van camping rental can only be booked through their own websites. It's a bit hassle, as they only accepted cash transfer or local credit card for the payment to secure the booking. Therefore, I'd to bother my Korean friend to settle the payment for me first.

I emailed to BnBHero (No1. House & Experience sharing network' in Korea) to check whether they provide service to book accommodation in Seongyojang. I was expecting a "NO" answer, but to my surprised, they replied they'll find a way to assist the booking, although it's not their regular service.

Really thanks to BnBHero for extra mile service and Seongyojang that allowed us to make the payment on the day we check-in. Everything was so smooth, therefore our family can have such an unforgettable moment to experience what it’s like to spend a night in the traditional Korean way.

 ~*~*~*~
Video Shooting Part II :  
Enjoying Hearty Hanjeongsik dinner

Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Sumptuous & Savory Hanjeongsik meal @Seongyojang's dining room
(please click the link for dining reservation)

Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Woohoo!!! lots of banchan that I never seen and ate before...


 Full Course meals with main dish, hotpot, side dishes, desserts and sweet sikhye drink ^^

We lost counts of how many dishes being served, as they kept coming new dishes and replacing the empty plates. We're being pampered like royalties with such good food. We tried to finish them, as we didn't want to waste food and considering the amount of work and care to prepare the dishes.

You may think that Japchae  (sweet potato noodles) as a simple food, but the preparation for cooking it's not easy, and it's no joke when you have to cook everything separately. It's not like dump everything and cook them together like what I normally do to cook Dong Fen (冬粉).

Just hope that they didn't think that we didn't have enough food, because we normally didn't leave a single grain on the plate if possible. But, we didn't manage to clean every single plate, as we'd stored up to maximum capacity of our tummies.

We reserved dinner when we booked the room. But, when we paid for the room, they told us to pay when we dine there. But, after dinner when we wanted to pay, they said no need as it's a treat for us. Really thankful to SBS, Seongyojang and KTO for this healthy hanjeongsik meal.

After having our meal, and we learnt how to make Songpyeon (송편), Korean traditional rice cake which contains stuffing such as sesame seeds, black beans, walnut, as it's near Chuseok holiday. Yes, Songpyeon's usually eaten during Korean Autumn Festival.

Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
We had so much fun learning to make this half-moon-shaped songpyeon,
but our songpyeon ended up with unique shapes of cubes, cat and house.

While making the Songpyeon, they interviewed me on our view about Songyojang, as they knew that we dropped by here yesterday. I fell in love at the first sight as it's even more beautiful than what I expected... It's absolutely amazing for this 300 years-old building to maintain it's beautiful architecture and scenic landscape. I really love peaceful and serene places that surrounded by nature that offer relaxation and fresh air to breath. Kids were happily run and play around.
Ok, that's all for the recording...
 ~*~*~*~

We'd to go back to our room as it's raining after our dinner, else we could walk around Seongyojang's garden and find a nice spot  for stars gazing.

Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Prince Chai Hao Zhi needed to wear his "crown" to the toilet
as it was raining outside ^^

Well, that's just one of the inconveniences that we had in Seongyojang, because the toilet is not inside the room and it's raining. Other than that, everything is fine. We're asked whether it's troublesome to take off our shoes each time we entering the rooms. We didn't find it's inconvenience, because it's just like we need to take off our shoes when entering our house.

 Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com

Though the room looks quite small with the door partition in between, can considered it as 2 connected rooms. You can put 2 mattresses on each room, but we put 3 mattresses on one side of the room and four of us squeezed together. Hahaha... we like it this way!

Peaceful night for a while in this hanok room, but soon after that I heard random snoring sound from my hubby and kids. And I turned those snoring sound to MLTR-Sleeping Child inside my head!
   "I'm gonna cover my sleeping child...
    Keep you away from the world so wild"

Good night and sweet dreams~^^


Trip blog to Gangneung Seongyojang Hanok House | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Wanna experience Hanjeongsik but not traveling to Gangneung? No worry~!
Check out these two options of Hanjeongsik availablein Seoul,
and you can conveniently reserve your meal here.


Related Posts:


Wednesday, 27 November 2013

September in Mureung Valley & Samhwasa Temple [Day 5]

Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple - must visit Tourist Attractions in Samcheok | by Meheartseoul 4.  Mureung Valley (무릉계곡)

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Mystical and Magnificent Mureung Valley

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
about 10 minutes walk from the parking lot / ticket office to Mureung Valley

Entrance to Mureung Valley
 Admission Fees: Adults 2,000 won, Children 700 won



Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
and you'll pass by this giant rock with beautiful calligraphy carved on it
So sorry that I don't know how to read Chinese.
Please let me know if you can read this... Thank you ^^

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
and also this neatly carved Hanja...

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Pavilion sitting beside Mureung Valley (무릉계곡).


Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Mureung Valley stretches 4 kilometers, unfolding a colorful spectrum
of river topography, from Hoam Pond to Yongchu Falls
against the backdrop of Dutasan Mountain and Cheongoksan Mountain.

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
It offers spectacular scenery consisting of unusual wide flat
rocks formations, green valleys, and clear water.

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Kim Hyo-Won (김효원), Neo-Confucian scholar in Joseon Dynasty named it Mureung, 
because its scenery resembled Mureungdowon, a Chinese landscape
where you can see a waterfall flowing down a rock wall.

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
This valley creates mystical and serene atmosphere.
In fact, Mureung means “Paradise” in Korean.

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Yang Sa Eon (양사언), one of the four greatest calligraphers from the early
Joseon Dynasty carved more than 10 names of governors or mayors of Samcheok
on this 5,000 square meter bedrock 'canvas'.

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
My son, Hao Zhi (昊志) found his name 志 is on the rock ^^
Absolutely awesome and insanely beautiful calligraphy that made me almost cried! How can the carved them so neat and artistic. It's like printed out calligraphy fonts from computer!  So embarrassing that I don't even know how to write that neat on the paper ㅠㅠ

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
 Countless of ancient poets, monks and travellers that visited this place
carved their names, family name and poetries in Hanja (한자), which many of them
are considered masterpieces of calligraphy.

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com 
It is said “All poets and painters in the country have been there at least once,”
Edited one of the photos to water-painting pictorialisation on canvas,
as I don't know how to draw or paint!

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Great escape place from bustling city!

I did scan around the area to see whether someone craving or painting. But not a lot of people visiting on that day. Only spotted few people walking on the rock, some sitting and enjoying the view or fresher themselves by tapping cold water on their faces.

The scenes of Cheon Gi painting Haram's portrait is set at this beautiful valley.
They enjoyed the time until Prince Yangmyeong arrived to arrest Haram...
(Lovers of the Red Sky #홍천기 ep. 10)


Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
The Princess' Man Episode 7
"What is love, to the world I ask... And hers is my answer:
It means you and I becoming one, without hesitation, until death do us part"
That is what “Love” is.

It's one of the filming location for "Hwang Jin-Yi" and "Painter of the Wind". I'm wondering whether The Princess' Man was filming there as it's quite near to Seongyojang and the scenery and flat rock quite similar. But, I searched view blogs said it was filmed in Jeollanam-do, Wolchulsan mountain.  I'm adding Wolchulsan to places to visit for my next trip :P

You should go to Ssang (Twin Waterfalls) and Yongchu waterfalls if you have time about 3-4 hour roundtrip hike from Samhwasa temple. Again, we didn't have time as we need to be in Seongyojang before 6 pm...

5. Samhwasa Temple (삼화사)

Samhwasa is also called Mureung Dowon (Arcadia in Peach Tree Garden). This one-thousand year old, small but historical temple falls under the supervision of Woljeongsa Temple

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
头陀山三和, entrance to Samhwasa Temple

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
about 10 minutes from Mureung Valley, the temple is just over this bridge...

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Beautiful and tranquil temple near Mureung Valley.

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
This temple is home to...

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Three story stone Pagoda (National treasures No. 1277)

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
and Steel sitting Buddha statue (National treasures No. 1292)
  
Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
 Bell Pavilion storing Dharma Percusions (Drum, Bell, Gong, Wooden Fish).

Samhwasa also houses the main shrine called Yaksajeon, Jeokkwangjeon, Beomjonggak pavilion, Geukrakjeon shrine, Birojeon shrine, Chilseongdan shrine, and Muhyanggak pavilion.
  

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Renovation in progress...
therefore, we couldn't go to the main hall and Buddha statue

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Donated money for renovation and wrote our names on this roof tile

Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
Surrounding walls of Samhwasa Temple



Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com  
Turtle Pedestal outside the temple (click the link for the photos)
and somehow when I edited my photos I saw these "Turtle" Pedestals in:
1. Ojukheon - 율곡선생 유적정화기념비
2. Samhwasa Temple - 비직사사화삼
3. Bonguensa Temple.

I'm really curious on these, please enlighten me if you know:
1. What is the name of this pedestal / sculpture (in Hangul too if possible)?
2. Is it just to support memorial tablet? or any other functions?
3. Does it have special / mystical "power" (something like Haechi / Dolharubang / Jangseung)?
4. Is it only for people with special rank or contribution can use it?
    I saw a lot of normal (without turtle) memorial tablets outside Bonguensa Temple.
4. Other interesting information about this "Turtle"

Thank you ^^
  
Trip to Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple blog | meheartsoul.blogspot.com
🙏 Peace from Mureung Valley and Samhwasa Temple 🙏


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