Exploring the Nammae Pagoda and Sangwonam Temple
“Waiting for Buddha's Birthday at Nammae Pagoda”
Hello.
This is a season where the vibrant colors of spring blend with the fresh greens of summer, creating a brilliant atmosphere.
As May, the month of Buddha's Birthday, begins, lotus lanterns are adorning various places.
This time, I will visit Sangwonam Temple and Nammae Pagoda while waiting for Buddha's Birthday.
I embarked on a three-hour hiking route suitable for beginners to reach Nammae Pagoda.
The uphill path (challenging course): from Gyeryongsan National Park Office to Mitaam, then to Nammae Pagoda and Sangwonam (1 hour 30 minutes).
The downhill path: from Sangwonam to Keunbaejae, then to Mungol Intersection, and finally to Cheonjeong Exploration Center (1 hour 30 minutes).
The journey to meet Nammae Pagoda began at the second public parking lot, following the stream leading to Mupung Bridge.
Passing by a row of restaurants on the left, I breathed in the phytoncides among the tall trees lining the path.
For reference, the entrance fee to Donghaksa Temple is free, and I will take the gentle path inside.
Let’s enjoy the brilliantly shining greens!
While walking towards Donghaksa, I noticed the newly sprouting leaves and took an interest in the different tree species.
Maples, acorns, and zelkova trees were labeled with their names.
Caterpillars can be spotted hatching from the leaves, often surprising visitors when they drop onto clothes or hats.
Even such small caterpillars can be overwhelming for a beginner hiker like me.
As I continued towards Donghaksa, I encountered the old path along Donghak Valley.
The clear waters made me want to explore the old path, so I decided to cross the valley for a while.
I also came across a pagoda containing relics, sparking my curiosity about its history.
The temple I reached after exiting the valley was Gyeongsangam and Mitaam.
At Mitaam, there is a fork in the road leading to Donghaksa and Nammae Pagoda. I chose the trail towards Nammae Pagoda.
Upon arrival at Nammae Pagoda, I found two towers standing side by side harmoniously.
Let’s take a moment to explore the story behind these towers.
Nammae Pagoda consists of two towers located at the site of the old Cheongnyangsa Temple, halfway between Donghaksa and Gapsa. One is a five-story tower (Treasure No. 1284) and the other is a seven-story tower (Treasure No. 1285). The legend of the Nammae Pagoda tells of a monk who helped a tiger, leading to a series of events that ended in the formation of a bond between a monk and a maiden.
Breathing in the spirit of Gyeryongsan in front of the temple.
Following the trail map, I headed down towards Cheonjeong Exploration Center.
Fortunately, I found a route that allowed me to descend without stopping, making it a relaxing experience.
If you plan to visit Nammae Pagoda, I recommend the route starting from Cheonjeong Exploration Center.
For those seeking a true hiking experience, the course from Mitaam to Nammae Pagoda would be ideal.
In the glorious season of life, May, enjoy the beauty of Nammae Pagoda while breathing in the spirit of Gyeryongsan.
Address: Hakhong-ri, Banpo-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Entrance Information: Entrance restrictions apply.
Open year-round.
Summer hours (April to October): 04:00 - 17:00
Winter hours (November to March): 05:00 - 15:00
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224286654553
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