Exploring the Enchanting Miok Seowon and Family Experience Center in Boryeong
▲ The path leading to Miok Seowon
Did you know that elementary schools in Korea usually start their winter break in January and do not have a spring break? During this long winter vacation, I used to explore various places with my child.
This time, we visited Miok Seowon in Boryeong. It was a place recommended to me by fellow book lovers, and I finally got to check it out.
Miok Seowon is nestled deep in the forest, but finding it wasn't difficult thanks to well-marked paths and signs. We had to walk a bit uphill from the parking lot, which was a bit steep, but the clear blue sky and the refreshing spring atmosphere lifted both our spirits.
▲ Entrance to Miok Seowon
The scale of the place was breathtaking as we ascended. While one might expect a cozy bookstore in the woods, this place was extraordinary. The exterior was so unique that I initially mistook the traditional Hanok below for the bookstore.
Looking down from Miok Seowon, I noticed a Hanok that was labeled as a stay space in the brochure. It seemed to be used for accommodations and events. Interestingly, it’s not just called a bookstore but a Seowon, which is a traditional Confucian academy. Here, thick classic texts from both Eastern and Western literature, including works like the Analects, are prominently displayed.
They also hold regular book concerts featuring renowned authors who focus on literature and philosophy. In winter, they conduct reading and discussion classes for teenagers.
▲ Wooden bookshelves filled with the scent of pine
The building of Miok Seowon is shaped like a donut, divided into two halves: one side for new books and the other for older ones, along with reading spaces. Each bookshelf is crafted from high-quality wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you want to linger longer.
There are loft-like spaces in each area where you can read. The bookstore was filled with an impressive selection of books, including classics, books on AI and future education, picture books, and works by authors from Chungcheongnam-do, our home region. Anyone who loves books from this area is sure to find something they like.
I ended up purchasing two books that I had saved in my online shopping cart.
▲ Used book area and reading space
The section with used books and reading spaces was more spacious. Sunlight poured in warmly, creating a cozy atmosphere filled with the scent of cedar. My child enjoyed browsing through picture books before we moved on to our accommodation.
▲ Boryeong Education Family Experience Center
We headed to the Boryeong Education Family Experience Center located in Jupo-myeon. This place has newly established caravans that can be reserved through a lottery on their website, and the best part is that it’s free!
After two years of trying, I finally won a chance to stay there. It just goes to show that persistence pays off!
▲ Caravan exterior
▲ Interior of the caravan
The caravan was fully equipped with a bathroom, bedroom, and cooking area. Despite the strong winds at night, we stayed warm and comfortable. It was such a joy to have a space where we could stay comfortably without extensive winter gear.
Other families who joined us also had a great time, enjoying the experience late into the night.
The next day was quite remarkable. I had arrived feeling tired and foggy, but I woke up feeling refreshed and clear-headed! I thought it was just me, but others felt the same way. Was it the good energy of the experience center or the visit to Miok Seowon that contributed to this feeling? I’m curious enough to plan another visit soon.
When spring arrives, I recommend visiting these two beautiful places in Boryeong with your child!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224200567148
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