Late Autumn Trip to Geumsan: Temples, Ginseng Origins, and Markets
Late Autumn, places to visit in Geumsan
711, Seokdong-ri, Nam-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Today, I'd like to introduce the 2nd edition of places to visit in Geumsan: Boseoksa Temple, Gaesamteo (Ginseng Cultivation Site), and Geumsan Ginseng Market.
1. Boseoksa Temple
▲ Entrance to Boseoksa Temple
As soon as I arrived at the entrance of Boseoksa Temple, I was greeted by a forest path full of autumn foliage.
The late autumn mountain temple's unique tranquility and the harmony of yellow and red autumn leaves made it a healing place just to walk.
▲ Monument to the Righteous Army Monk Commander
Around Boseoksa Temple, there is a monument commemorating Teacher Joheon and the Geumsan Righteous Army.
It was a space to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the country in the Battle of Geumsan during the Imjin War.
▲ Boseoksa Temple
When I entered Boseoksa Temple, the pagoda caught my eye first.
Thanks to the exceptionally clear sky, the entire Boseoksa Temple looked radiant.
▲ Boseoksa Temple
The autumn foliage seen beyond the walls around Boseoksa Temple was so colorful that it made me want to take pictures.
▲ Autumn Foliage at Boseoksa Temple
With scarlet, orange, and yellow colors spreading in layers, I could feel the autumn sentiment until the very end.
▲ Ginkgo Tree at Boseoksa Temple
In front of Boseoksa Temple, there is a ginkgo tree that has been standing for over 1,000 years.
The tree is 34m tall with a chest height circumference of 10.7m, and it was so overwhelming that I could feel its majesty even from a distance.
The only downside was that the ginkgo leaves had already fallen when I visited, so I couldn't see the ginkgo tree colored in yellow...
Still, I could feel the energy of the tree that has endured a thousand years just from its thick trunk and magnificent appearance.
Boseoksa Temple
Chungcheongnam-do Geumsan-gun Nam-myeon Seokdong-ri 5
2. Gaesamteo
After looking around Boseoksa Temple, I moved to the next course, Gaesamteo.
Gaesamteo is a famous place where the history of Geumsan ginseng began.
▲ Gaesamteo
Unfortunately, the Gaesamteo Park was under construction on the day I visited.
I couldn't see the park due to construction barriers and equipment, but I took a quick look around from a distance.
“It's temporarily closed, but I can expect to see a cleaner and more renewed look when I come back next time!”
It was being decorated so nicely that it made me have such expectations.
▲ Deep-Rooted Ginseng Experience Village
I moved to the "Deep-Rooted Ginseng Experience Village" in Gaesamteo and looked around inside.
▲ Deep-Rooted Ginseng Experience Village
When I looked up at the ceiling of the experience center lobby, I saw a unique installation work full of small red berries.
If you look closely, it looks like small bead-like berries are scattered, but the moment the light shines from the end, the berries create a ginseng shape.
A scene where the numerous berries appear in the shape of ginseng when viewed from the direction where the light is gathered!
It was really amazing and impressive.
▲ Deep-Rooted Ginseng Experience Village
It is a space that expresses the deep-rooted meaning of Geumsan ginseng in an artistic form.
As soon as I entered the experience center, I couldn't help but think, “Wow, it’s just like Geumsan!”
In the media art space, flower petals fluttered and traditional paintings seemed to move in the videos that continued from all four walls, the floor, and the ceiling.
It was a space where both children and adults exclaimed, “Wow!”
▲ Deep-Rooted Ginseng Experience Village
In another room, responsive videos are implemented on the walls and floor, and when children touch the walls or wave their hands, deer, cranes, butterflies, etc. react and move.
▲ Deep-Rooted Ginseng Experience Village
It was such an immersive space that it was hard to take even a short step away because children really liked it.
Gaesamteo
946-1, Seonggok-ri, Nam-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
3. Geumsan International Ginseng Market
▲ Geumsan International Ginseng Market
The last course of the filial piety culture exploration was a visit to the Geumsan Ginseng Market.
I could feel the lively atmosphere unique to traditional markets from the entrance, and just looking at the Geumsan Fresh Ginseng Center sign made me feel like I had already come to Geumsan, the home of ginseng.
▲ Geumsan International Ginseng Market
When you enter the market, you can see ginseng and medicinal herbs piled up on the left and right, and merchants trimming and sorting them at a glance.
The appearance of ginseng lined up according to size, grade, and condition was as vivid as if it had captured the 'ginseng wholesale site' of Geumsan as it is.
Ginseng price tags and country of origin labels were also well marked, making it easy for first-time visitors to compare and purchase.
▲ Geumsan International Ginseng Market
‘Ginseng scent’ spreading through every market alley.
When you come out of the market, there are various ginseng processed product stores, and each store attracts attention with its unique ginseng products.
???? Ginseng Makgeolli (Rice Wine)
???? Ginseng Honey
???? Ginseng Powder
???? Red Ginseng Slices
???? Fresh Ginseng Gift Set
There was almost nothing that wasn't available when it came to ginseng-related products.
In particular, seeing the fresh ginseng and medicinal herbs displayed in front of the stores made me feel the vitality of “This is Geumsan!”
▲ Geumsan International Ginseng Market
You must try Geumsan's famous 'ginseng fries'!
The most eye-catching thing while looking around the market was the ginseng fries shops.
The scent of hot fries freshly fried from everywhere filled the air, and many people were lined up.
▲ Geumsan International Ginseng Market
When I ordered and received freshly fried ginseng fries, the shape was also impressive because the ginseng was whole inside the crispy batter.
When you take a bite, the crispy texture → sweet ginseng scent → subtle bitterness comes up in order, making it a non-burdensome and delicious taste to enjoy.
Dipping it in the jocheong (grain syrup) that comes with it adds sweetness, making it a special snack unique to Geumsan that is perfect for the last course of the exploration.
The owner who made the fries also kindly explained them and gave them to me freshly, which made them taste even better.
Geumsan International Ginseng Market
45, Insamyakchoro, Geumsan-eup, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
▲ Places to Visit in Geumsan
This 2nd Geumsan trip allowed me to feel the various charms of Geumsan at once, from the tranquil autumn scenery of Boseoksa Temple to the history of Geumsan ginseng felt beyond the Gaesamteo construction site, and the lively atmosphere unique to the ginseng market.
I would really like to recommend it as a filial piety culture experience course with family outings or the elderly.
It was such an impressive Geumsan trip that I wanted to see another charm of Geumsan.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224089552791
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