Exploring Ulsan Dongheon and Its Beautiful Summer Blooms
Ulsan Dongheon is a historical building located at the center of the old Ulsan Fortress, where the governor used to handle official duties.
The inner house, known as Nae-a, served as the residence for the governor.
Designated as Ulsan Metropolitan City's cultural heritage No. 1, Dongheon and Nae-a provide a quiet retreat with traces of history.
As July arrives, these sites have become bustling attractions, especially known for their beautiful trumpet vine flowers.
Aside from seasonal events and special occasions in Jung-gu, this place is usually quite tranquil, with only a few visitors during the spring bloom.
Thanks to the lovely trumpet vines blooming within Dongheon, many people are drawn to visit.
Passing through the main gate, Hakseong Dohobu Amun, visitors are greeted by Ulsan's beloved character, Ulsan Kkeun Aegi, which can be found throughout Jung-gu.
It's always a delight to spot Ulsan Kkeun Aegi while strolling down the streets.
The trumpet vine begins to bloom in June with the onset of the monsoon and can be seen throughout the summer. It is also known as the flower that adorns the official hat worn by those who achieve top honors during the Joseon Dynasty.
Additionally, the trumpet vine is famous for its legend, which tells of a beautiful woman named So-hwa who waited endlessly for a king who never returned, leading to the blooming of these orange flowers around her grave.
During the Japanese occupation, Ulsan Dongheon served as the Ulsan County Office, and after liberation, it became a meeting hall for the county office. It was restored to its current form in 1981 and remains a place of rest for citizens amidst the city, with historical significance.
If you explore the old downtown of Ulsan Jung-gu, I highly recommend visiting this site, especially as the scenery changes beautifully with each season. In spring, you can enjoy blossoms like plum and cornelian cherry, while in summer, the lush greenery surrounding the traditional hanok offers a serene atmosphere.
The trumpet vine is currently gaining recognition as a summer attraction. In autumn, the ginkgo trees provide a stunning display of colors, making it a delightful spot for fall foliage.
Various cultural experiences and events are held here, so those interested can participate in the programs. This location is also part of the Ulsan Jung-gu 9 Scenic Spots and 9 Tastes Stamp Tour.
To collect a stamp for the fifth scenic spot, Ulsan Dongheon and Cultural Street, participants can visit the Ulsan Kkeun Aegi House located on Cultural Street. The stamps are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and as of July, there are still some available.
The trumpet vines inside Dongheon and Nae-a are stunning. Although some flowers have fallen due to heavy rain, they still showcase their beauty.
The trumpet vine, also known as the official flower, was regarded by scholars as a symbol of integrity and virtue because its blossoms fall gracefully in clusters. Due to its association with the official hat, commoners were not allowed to cultivate trumpet vines freely.
The flower symbolizes honor and glory, and because of its legend, it also represents longing and waiting.
This climbing plant blooms in a unique form at Dongheon, making it a popular subject for photography. On the day I visited, I saw someone capturing the beauty of the trumpet vine from a distance.
As summer flowers bloom with passion and intensity, they fill the void left by the spring blossoms. Even on hot summer days, I hope everyone finds strength and resilience, just like a blooming flower.
Here are some images capturing the beauty of Ulsan Dongheon and its surroundings:
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224339185738
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