Exploring the 'Walkju, Stamp Tour' in Chungcheongnam-do
The 'Walkju, Stamp Tour' program, operated by Chungcheongnam-do, is an engaging tour where participants collect stamps while walking through designated attractions, enjoying points and coupon benefits.
I personally enjoy visiting places such as the Kim Hong-shin Literary Museum in Nonsan, where one can feel the essence of literature, the forest trails of Banyasan, where nature's breath can be felt, and the Citizen Family Park for a leisurely time. The serene atmosphere of Gwancheoksa Temple is also a favorite of mine.
I would like to introduce these locations as part of the 'Walkju, Stamp Tour' that I hope you will join.
The Kim Hong-shin Literary Museum was opened in Nonsan in 2019 to honor the literary spirit of Kim Hong-shin, Korea's first million-selling author, and to promote local culture and arts. This multifaceted cultural space features permanent and special exhibitions, a writing room, an archive, and a café, allowing visitors to experience the author's world and historical records directly.
At the entrance of the writing room, I noticed a bulletin board announcing a performance of 'Operama Life Manual' on June 20, 2026. Operama is a unique Korean performance format that combines opera and drama, and this particular performance is based on Kim Hong-shin's book 'Life Manual', exploring philosophical messages about the meaning and direction of life through literature, music, traditional Korean music, and dance.
I was also delighted to see my article about Kim Hong-shin in the 'Tracing the Footsteps of Chungnam Regional Writers' series published in the Chungnam Provincial Newspaper.
I headed straight to the writing room without entering the museum because of the Taeging, the largest gong in Korea. This gong, measuring 163 cm in diameter and weighing between 160-200 kg, was donated to the museum in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation in 2025. It is open for visitors to try striking, establishing itself as a cultural heritage for citizen participation.
Rumor has it that wishes come true when you strike the gong, so I took a moment to give it a light tap.
Inside the Kim Hong-shin Literary Museum, the space is designed to fully experience literature and art. The permanent exhibition hall allows visitors to explore Kim Hong-shin's representative works and life across different eras, while the special exhibition hall hosts various literary and artistic displays. The writing room and archive exhibition room provide spaces to check original manuscripts and materials. There are also observation decks and a café, making it a perfect place to relax and reflect.
Kim Hong-shin's pen name is Moru, symbolizing his desire to shape the world through literature, much like a tool that creates new forms by striking solid metal. He famously stated, 'A novelist does not just dip into someone else's ink bottle. I have lived my life trying to leave my voice as a struggle to pour the blood from my body. I have no intention of ever giving up my writer's conscience.'
Next to the Kim Hong-shin Literary Museum, the Banyasan Forest Trail begins. This trail is a healing space where dense trees and fresh air come together, offering a natural retreat for light walks to trekking. It has become a must-visit course for participants of the Walkju, Stamp Tour, adding the joy of collecting stamps while taking care of one's health.
While walking the Banyasan Forest Trail, you often encounter citizens out for a stroll, highlighting its popularity. The area is well-equipped with resting spots and signposts, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a safe and comfortable walk.
After the Kim Hong-shin Literary Museum, I walked towards the Nonsan Citizen Family Park, a representative healing space in the city where nature and culture can be enjoyed together, complete with walking paths, various landscaping facilities, a water play area, and foot baths. It is especially popular among family visitors, connecting with the slopes of Banyasan.
The Citizen Family Park features a spacious lawn, walking paths, and resting areas, making it particularly appealing to families. Annual events like the Nonsan Strawberry Festival, various busking performances, and cultural festivals add to the vibrant atmosphere. I hope you can enjoy a leisurely time in the Citizen Family Park, a representative cultural and leisure space for the people of Nonsan.
The path from the Citizen Family Park to Gwancheoksa Temple continues along the Banyasan Forest Trail. As you ascend the walking path, you will encounter the Banyajeong Pavilion, located at the summit, serving as a resting spot with an open view. The forest trail, with its lush trees and fresh air, provides health and healing to citizens, making it a beloved course for participants of the Walkju Stamp Tour.
As you descend the Banyasan Forest Trail, Gwancheoksa Temple begins to come into view through the dense forest. There is a moment where you can align your gaze with the Eunjin Mireuks, and I always pause here to catch my breath quietly. Before entering the temple grounds, I take a moment to gather my thoughts and prepare myself in a respectful manner.
Entering Gwancheoksa Temple through the main gate, you must pass through the Ilju Gate, Cheonwangmun, and Myeonggokru to finally reach the temple grounds. However, there is a direct path leading into the temple grounds from the Banyasan Forest Trail, providing a closer route for those finishing their walk.
Gwancheoksa Temple, located in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do, is a thousand-year-old temple founded in the early Goryeo period. It is particularly famous for the massive stone Buddha statue, Eunjin Mireuk, which stands about 18 meters tall and is designated as National Treasure No. 323, being the largest stone Mireuk Buddha in Korea.
As Buddha's Birthday approaches, the temple grounds are adorned with lanterns, offering a sacred yet warm experience to visitors.
The journey from the Kim Hong-shin Literary Museum to the Nonsan Citizen Family Park, through the Banyasan Forest Trail to Gwancheoksa Temple, is a special path where literature, nature, history, and faith intertwine. Therefore, I highly recommend these locations to participants of the Walkju, Stamp Tour. If you wish to fully experience the culture and nature of Nonsan, I encourage you to take a stroll, especially during Buddha's Birthday.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224273901147
No comments yet.
