The Story of Grandma Bob in Goyang: A Hidden Gem in the City Park
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
In the heart of Deokyang-gu, Dongsan-dong, Goyang City, there is a park with a name that piques curiosity: 'Grandma Bob Park'.
Upon hearing the name 'Grandma Bob', one might wonder what stories lie behind it. Visiting the park, I discovered it serves as a neighborhood space where residents stroll and relax. On one side, there stands a statue of Grandma Bob alongside ancient gravestones.
As I walked slowly through the park, I began to follow the 'story' intertwined with its name. Who was Grandma Bob?
While walking, I encountered the statue of Grandma Bob. At first glance, it appeared to be just an old statue, but reading the nearby information board revealed the rich history of Grandma Bob that has been passed down through generations.
The city of Goyang introduces Grandma Bob as a female commander who actively participated in the Imjin War, serving the local community alongside other women. She is said to have cared for injured soldiers during the Battle of Haengju and cooked meals for them.
Additionally, stories tell of her sharing food with those in need, which contributed to her being affectionately called 'Grandma Bob'. If you only know the name of the park, you might easily overlook these fascinating tales, so starting with the information board is a good idea.
Examining the statue up close, the first thing that stands out is that the upper part, including the face, is missing. According to the information board, the statue is believed to represent a medicinal Buddha statue from the Joseon Dynasty. The right hand is in a gesture of 'Shimuwein', while the left hand holds medicine. The lower part of the knees is also damaged, making it hard to identify its original form.
During the Japanese occupation, the neck was damaged, resulting in the loss of the face. Currently, the statue of Grandma Bob is designated as Goyang City's local heritage No. 46 and was relocated to its current position in 2013.
After reading the description and looking back at the statue, I noticed details I had missed during my first glance, such as the shape of the hands and the remaining form of the body.
Adjacent to the statue stands the Dongsan-dong gravestone group, another cultural heritage worth observing. The gravestones are designated as Goyang City's local heritage No. 47 and consist of the Ojeongil selection monument, the Deoksu Jassi Gyo bimyeong, and the Eomchan selection monument.
Among these gravestones, the one that particularly caught my attention was the Deoksu Jassi Gyo bimyeong, which records the efforts of local residents in 1660 to build a stone bridge (Deoksujassi Bridge) over the Deoksu Stream, now known as the Changnyeong Stream.
It is impressive that events from hundreds of years ago are inscribed on stone and have been passed down to the present day.
At the lower part of the park, there is also a 'Grandma Bob Pond'. After exploring the statue and gravestones, I walked down towards the pond. Following the path, I came across a walkway lined with hibiscus and a small waterway below.
This area is named 'Grandma Bob Pond' and was originally a water retention area transformed into a pond in July 2020. It is home to 'Koi' and various other fish species, with fruit trees also growing nearby.
Surrounding the pond are small bridges, and the path continues along the waterway. On the day I visited, I spotted vibrant red and golden koi swimming in the clear water, while ducks wandered along the shore and walkway.
As I explored the pond further, I found aquatic plants and even birds visiting the water's edge. This area offered a different aspect of the park compared to when I was examining the statue and gravestones.
'Grandma Bob Park' is not only a place of cultural heritage but also a neighborhood park where local residents regularly gather. It features walking paths, outdoor exercise equipment, benches, and pavilions, providing spaces to rest.
Initially drawn by the unique name 'Grandma Bob Park', I gained a new perspective after walking through the area. Observing the statue and gravestones, then following the path down to the pond, I naturally encountered the stories embedded throughout the park.
When visiting 'Grandma Bob Park', take a moment to pause in front of the statue and gravestones during your walk. This neighborhood park may surprise you with stories of Goyang that you never knew existed.
Thank you.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/letsgoyang/224418825208
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