Exploring the Beauty of Akyang Pavilion and its Surroundings
By Jo Yun-hee, 14th SNS Reporter
Akyang Dike
- Address: 49-10 Akyang-gil, Beopsu-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongnam
As May arrives, the time seems to be maturing, and the flowers are blooming in vibrant colors.
Before heading to Akyang Pavilion for a drive with my parents, I took a moment to explore the entrance of the dike. The colorful pansies, along with poppies, were so beautiful that I could sense the flowers captivating the attention of passersby.
At the entrance of Akyang Dike, the sight of poppies, baby’s breath, and windmills created a picturesque scene. The clear sky seemed to showcase its beauty as well, filling my heart with simple happiness despite the hot sun.
Even on a weekday, there were quite a few visitors at the dike. The spring-like weather felt more like summer, with many people holding umbrellas or parasols, making it a common sight for a flower outing. If you plan to visit the dike, it might be wise to prepare an umbrella, a parasol, a hat, and some water.
Akyang Dike, located at 74-4 Yunwae-ri, Beopsu-myeon, Hamyang-gun, is a dike built to prevent flooding. It gained fame through the TV program '1 Night 2 Days.' In spring, visitors flock to see poppies, while in autumn, cosmos flowers draw crowds.
This is the view of Akyang Pavilion from the dike, where you can see its full form. Having seen the pavilion from this angle, it was time to drive towards it. My parents, who were enjoying the flowers, accompanied me as we headed to our destination. The stunning scenery of Akyang Pavilion was also featured in the recent episode of 'Neighborhood Tour' aired on the 16th.
As we passed Akyang Bridge, we left behind the dike built by Hamyang-gun to prevent natural disasters. The dike showcases different flowers in each season, creating diverse landscapes. Everywhere I looked, the lush green view along the Namgang River was breathtaking, prompting me to take numerous photos.
Walking along the deck path towards Akyang Pavilion, I came across the 'Maiden Boatman Song Monument.' Whenever my mother sees this monument, she reminisces about a childhood friend who used to be a boatman, filling her with nostalgia. Today was no exception as she gazed at the monument, reflecting on her friend while enjoying the surroundings of Akyang Pavilion.
The white flowers of the ipap tree, which are said to indicate a good harvest based on their abundance, bloomed along the deck, swaying gently in the river breeze. This sight brought joy to my heart, making me feel that this year would also yield a bountiful harvest.
The scenery along the deck doesn't end with the ipap tree. I found a resting spot with a large tree providing shade, allowing me to escape the hot sun while enjoying the cool breeze from the river. It was truly a delightful experience to walk along the path.
As I walked along the deck, I stopped in awe at the cliffs and the view of the Namgang River. I couldn't help but wonder if a pavilion was built here to appreciate such a magnificent landscape. The excitement of finally seeing Akyang Pavilion kept me moving faster.
On the way to Akyang Pavilion, I encountered a seafood restaurant. This was my first time approaching Akyang Pavilion from the outside, making me feel a bit lost. However, the deck path continued alongside the restaurant, so those visiting for the first time need not worry. After a short detour, I found a sign indicating that Akyang Pavilion was about 120 meters ahead.
As I rounded a rocky cliff, I came across a sign warning to 'watch your head.' At 165 cm tall, I had to bend down significantly. Perhaps this was the entrance leading to Akyang Pavilion.
Akyang Pavilion (岳陽樓)
- Address: 122 San, Seochon-ri, Daesan-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongnam
- Year Established: 1875 (8th year of Cheoljong)
- Designated as a Cultural Heritage Site in Gyeongsangnam-do (October 21, 1992)
- Open year-round, free admission
Finally, I set foot in Akyang Pavilion for the first time!
Akyang Pavilion is one of the representative pavilions of the Joseon Dynasty, situated on a cliff by the Namgang River, offering both breathtaking views and a historical atmosphere. Despite the slightly warm weather, upon arriving at Akyang Pavilion, I felt the energy of the mountains more than the sun.
Situated on the northern cliff of Akyang Village in Daesan-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Akyang Pavilion was built in 1857 and is known for its excellent view. Below the pavilion flows the Namgang River, while ahead lies a vast field and the dike of Beopsu-myeon.
Originally, there was a plaque named 'Giduhyeon' (倚斗軒), meaning 'a place relying on the Big Dipper,' but now only the plaque inscribed by Cheongnam Ojaebong remains. Akyang Pavilion is a structure built on the northern cliff of Akyang Village, Daesan-myeon, Hamyang-gun, during the late Joseon period. It was destroyed during the Korean War, restored, and renovated in 1963.
The wooden structure has three bays on the front and two on the side, with an eight-shaped roof. It is open on all sides, and the floor is elevated from the ground, featuring a wooden floor. The base is crafted into a jar shape, supporting circular columns with decorations that harmonize with the surrounding nature.
Looking down from Akyang Pavilion, one can see the expansive fields of Akyang. Akyang Pavilion is built on a cliff overlooking the broad fields where the Namgang River flows, and it is said to have been named after the renowned scenic area in China, Akyang. The meeting of the Namgang and Hamyangcheon rivers creates a beautiful natural landscape that makes one feel grateful to stand in such a lovely space.
The view from Akyang Pavilion, built on a high cliff, showcases fields that once danced with barley in spring and bowed with ripe rice in autumn. Today, however, it was adorned with vibrant red poppies, baby’s breath, and cornflowers, creating a romantic scene. The sweetness and freshness of the view from above cleared my mind, making me feel rejuvenated.
As I turned away from Akyang Pavilion, I felt that the name 'Giduhyeon,' meaning 'a place relying on the Big Dipper,' was quite fitting. The natural beauty created by the surrounding mountains and the tranquil river resembled the renowned Akyang Pavilion in China, bidding me farewell as I departed.
The walk along the Akyang Pavilion deck took about an hour. It felt like a day spent fully embracing the freshness of May, walking directly into the beauty created by the Namgang River.
To visitors planning to explore the beautiful Akyang, I hope you don't just leave after seeing the dike filled with poppies. Don’t miss the refreshing walking path that leads to Akyang Pavilion. I hope you find healing and rediscover yourself amidst the splendid scenery of Hamyang. Akyang Pavilion, visited on a day filled with the fragrant blossoms of acacia, is a place I would love to return to with my loved ones.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224279985995
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