Namhansanseong was originally built in the Silla Dynasty, or what the rest of the world would call the 7th century A.D. Built for wars against the Tang Dynasty (no relation to the beverage, I hope), the fortress presumably was destroyed at some point, since the fortress was ordered rebuilt in 1624 by King Injo.
With a wall circumference of 11.76 km, it definitely comprises enough area, but land alone doesn’t tell the story. Within the fortress was a jangdae, a two-story pavilion used as a lookout by commanders, several ongseongs, or courtyards, 16 ammuns, or smaller gate with upper stories, and two dondaes, or fire signal platforms (think DEFCON, but turn back the clock – 1 fire meant all was well, 5 fires meant all out invasion). Before the reconstruction efforts begun there were only two Buddhist temples, but now there are nine within the fortress walls – and several more within hiking distance.
Of course, such an interesting-sounding site takes some getting to.
Start your journey by stocking up at the local convenience store, complete with toys and balls for the kids, caffeine for the younger generation, and alcohol for anyone legal.
On the way, some sort of dialogue in Korean was interesting – but the costumes made it worth watching.
This wasn’t as impressive as it looked – the holds only went up about 2 meters (6 feet)!
When you first arrive, the park setting is nice, though it does feel a little constructed / put together at times.
You can guess what this thing is far – a barefoot path. The goals of a barefoot path: walk over various shaped rocks in an attempt to stimulate various portions of your feet.
The course went around the pavilion and curved around for a few hundred meters. My feet were ‘stimulated’ (e.g. hurting) after the first 50 meters or so. Time to put the shoes back on my sensitive feet…
Not just a pile of rocks. This should be the first hint that we’re on our way to a temple.
The very steep path up to 약사사 – Yaksasa, or Yaksa temple.
Preparations were already underway for Buddha’s birthday, even though I was there several days before.
Buddhas everywhere – and me getting fancy with the blur settings again.
Whatever you do, don’t mess with this guy. I love the eight-pack of abs, along with the balls of muscle to the sides. How do you get those muscles?
Rows of lanterns hung from a pavilion holding the instruments that wake all living beings.
One of four bells in each corner while in the aforementioned pavilion.
Taking a step back to see the entrance as a whole – try to ignore the metal poles as part of the gearing up process.
Some unfinished lanterns still to be painted or decorated in some way.The trip as a whole was wonderful – enjoying the park and the temple took most of our afternoon away. By the time we realized the fortress was a 2 km uphill hike from the park, we saw the sun beginning to set and promised we’d come back for the fortress another time. Stay tuned for part 2 once I have a chance to visit the fortress and wall itself.
