








| Theme : | |
|---|---|
| Period : | August 22, 2009 - August 22, 2009 |
| Place : | Deok-san Provincial Park , Chungcheongnam-do |
Today's trip is a perfect outing, combining sites of historical interest with a drive through the countryside to enjoy the rural scenery. Our main attraction will be Sudeok-sa, allegedly founded by Korea's most eminent, though somewhat unconventional, monk - Wonhyo.
The temple is located in Deoksan Provincial Park, one of the country's smallest provincial parks, but no less serene and scenic than the larger ones. Sudok-sa was originally built some 1500 years ago during the Baekche period, but has been renovated many times since then.
On the mountain behind the temple is a large standing Buddha carved into a cliff. Trails crisscross the beautiful hills and lead to various hermitages, shrines, and even a nunnery associated with the temple. Our next stop will be the Sosan Buddha Triad. In the hills east of Sosan is a Baekje Dynasty rock sculpture (National Treasure #84)-a smiling Buddha triad. The central figure stands nearly three meters high, while the attendants are almost two meters. Finely carved in low relief, their smiles are set off by elaborately etched teardrop halos.
On the way down, we will visit the Memorial Hall to Yoon Bong-gil, a Korean patriot who died in Japan while struggling for liberation from Japanese colonial rule. We will also have the opportunity to visit the town of Haemi, the site of an ancient county government. This fully restored walled city will offer us a glimpse into Korea's past. There will be opportunities to see some of the activities involved in rural living, along the country road in this region.
Cost of the tour is W39,000 for members and for non-members W46,800. Tour cost includes bus and all entrance fees. The bus will leave from beside the Korean Yongsan Post Office (Subway, Line number 4, blue line, Sinyongsan Station #429, exit #1) at 8:30 a.m. and return to Seoul is slated to be 6:30 p.m.
For more details visit the website below:Further Information
Tel: +82-2-763-9483
Fax: +82-2-766-3796
Website: Sudeok-sa, Deok-san Provincial Park & Haemi Tour
Website: Royal Asiatic Society - Korea Branch