Naepo Culture Forest Trail and Yonghyeon Natural Recreation Forest offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Chungnam Gaya Mountain and its historical heritage. Naepo, known for its rich agricultural and marine products due to its proximity to the sea and fertile plains, was also the gateway for Buddhism to enter the Korean Peninsula from China. In this post, we will explore the journey of discovering the traces of Goryeo Buddhism through the Naepo Culture Forest Trail and Yonghyeon Natural Recreation Forest.
The Tranquil Winter Scenery of Gaya Mountain
Yonghyeon Natural Recreation Forest, located about 15km from Cheonsuman Gwanwol Lake, is situated at the foot of Gaya Mountain, the heart of Naepo. The forest is always peaceful and serene, and Yonghyeon Natural Recreation Forest is no exception. Walking along the mountain trails, you can feel the crisp, clear air of the winter forest and see the white snow piled up along the paths. From the parking lot, follow the paved road towards the mountain, and soon the path splits into two. Following the signs towards the forest house and the forest road, you will see log cabins with snow-covered roofs.
Journey to Baegamsa Temple Site
From the entrance of the forest road with a barrier, the path is entirely covered in snow. There are footprints of people who have walked before, scattered here and there. The forest road leading to the pass is quite steep, but as you walk up, you can appreciate the tranquil beauty of Gaya Mountain, reminiscent of an ink painting. Along the way, you will find a sign for 'Baekje Smile Trail,' a path that was initially intended to be a road connecting Seosan's Unsan-myeon and Yesan's Deoksan-myeon through Gaya Mountain but was preserved as a walking trail to protect the environment.
Following the forest road, you will arrive at Tungtung Pass, a key route leading to Baegamsa Temple Site, a Goryeo-era temple site. Baegamsa Temple, known as the 100th hermitage of Bowonsa Temple, is believed to have been established during the Baekje period. Legend has it that after Baegamsa was built, all other hermitages of Bowonsa were burnt down. Today, only the foundation stones and a few stone pagodas remain as traces of the temple.
The Charm of Naepo Culture Forest Trail
From Baegamsa Temple Site, continue walking through the beautiful and dense forest. The path is lined with various trees such as ash, birch, hackberry, and maple, providing endless enjoyment as you walk. The winter forest is quiet and peaceful, with only the occasional sound of snow falling from tree branches. The stream flowing along the path adds a constant gentle sound of water.
As you descend, you will come across a colony of Sangsahwa, a flower symbolizing "unrequited love," which blooms pink flowers in midsummer but has only snow blossoms in winter. When the descent ends, you will find a forest road leading back to the recreation forest. This road is different from the one you started on, as it takes you over the mountain peak where Baegamsa Temple Site is located.
Discovering Natural Monuments
The forest road back to Yonghyeon Natural Recreation Forest is a refreshing change after walking through the dense forest. Along the way, you will find a sign pointing towards Suribawe and Suribawe Temple Site. A pair of eagle owls, designated as natural monuments, nest on the cliffs beyond the erosion control dam. Above their nest is the site of another temple, one of the many abandoned sites in Gaya Mountain, known as Suribawe Temple Site due to the lack of an exact name.
Continuing along the forest road, the path is clear and covered in white snow under the blue winter sky. A few tall metasequoia trees stand majestically along the way. As you keep walking, you will return to the recreation forest, where you will see log cabins and other facilities. The forest road becomes a paved road again, and soon you will arrive back at the parking lot of the recreation forest. The tranquility remains, with only the winter wind gently brushing against the peaks of Gaya Mountain.
Tracing the Legacy of Goryeo Buddhism
Naepo Culture Forest Trail is a journey following the traces of Goryeo Buddhism. Along this trail, you can experience both historical heritage and natural beauty. The Baegamsa Temple Site, in particular, offers a glimpse into the flourishing Buddhist culture of the Goryeo era. The foundation stones and stone pagodas that remain are evidence of the temple's historical significance.
Walking through the bamboo grove from Baegamsa Temple Site, you will encounter various types of trees and winter landscapes that leave a lasting impression. The quiet winter forest and the beauty of nature make the hike enjoyable and peaceful. Naepo Culture Forest Trail provides a special experience of both history and nature, offering a deep and enriching journey.
The History and Culture of Naepo Culture Forest Trail
Naepo Culture Forest Trail allows you to deeply experience the history and culture of the Naepo region. The trail spans a total of 340km and is divided into four themes: 'Wonhyo's Enlightenment Path,' 'Naepo Catholic Pilgrimage Path,' 'Baekje Revival Movement Path,' and 'Naepo Historical Figures Path.' Each theme is based on different historical events and figures from the Naepo region, providing walkers with a rich historical background.
This trail offers a unique experience where you can feel the natural beauty and historical heritage of Naepo simultaneously. Walking along the trail, you will discover the traces of Goryeo Buddhist culture in the Naepo region. The Baegamsa Temple Site, in particular, highlights the historical importance of the area as a center of Buddhist culture during the Goryeo era.
Traveling Along Naepo Culture Forest Trail
Walking along the Naepo Culture Forest Trail is more than just a hike. It is an opportunity to experience both nature and history together. Feeling the quiet winter atmosphere of Gaya Mountain and visiting historical sites like the Baegamsa Temple Site leaves a deep impression. As you walk, you can find peace of mind by listening to the sounds of water flowing through the valleys and enjoying the beauty of various trees.
The journey of discovering the traces of Goryeo Buddhism through the Naepo Culture Forest Trail holds great significance for those who love history and nature. The experience provided by this trail goes beyond mere leisure activities, offering a special opportunity to appreciate both historical heritage and natural beauty.
댓글