Yeongsan River ~ Damyang

One of the more enjoyed parts of my trip to Damyang this summer was the simple time I had wondering along the Yeongsan river at dusk. Located near the restaurants and bamboo forest, it was a great place to relax and unwind.

You could rent family wagons to ride around in or bicycles if you like.

The river seemed to stretch on and on, I guessed you could keep walking for quite some time.

If you are in Damyang and have the time I would suggest taking a lovely stroll down this river path.

Silleuksa Temple Resort: Yeoju

Alongside the Yeoju Ceramic festival lies the Silleuksa Temple. Out of all the temples I have visited in Korea, thus far, this one proved to be very illuminating. I think what makes this one stand out from the others is that it resides next to the Namhangang river. But you will will also see that there are many treasures to be found on your visit, which add to the uniqueness of this place.

I started off by purchasing my ticket and taking a stroll by the river and through a shaded tree-lined path.

As you approach the temple you see a small place where you can write on a tablet, and then the fountain area.

The stroll around the temple grounds was full of familiar sights and with the lanterns up for Buddha's birthday on the horizon, things felt good.

I mostly enjoyed the twisted trees laid out here amongst the landscape.

Nearby was one of the pagoda shrines where visitors completed rituals.

Again another twisty tree, but this one projecting a really awesome shadow onto the sandy soil.

As I headed away from the temple grounds I found myself climbing a stone staircase only to to come to the top of a hill where a six-tier brick pagoda was standing. Apparently, this is one of only a handful of brick pagodas left in Korea, and it majestically sits above the river.

Above this lies a stele shrine where you can see a better view of the pagoda and river scene.

Walking around the shrine and heading downhill, you are set on a rock outcrop over looking the river. The wind blows a cool breeze and one's weary Seoul body is soothed. I really wanted to just sit out there all day, if it weren't for lunch calling me.

Alongside here was a resting pavilion where many a visitor sat and admired the scenery.

I took a seat at a nearby boulder / bench and took in the view and fresh air. On the opposite side of the river was an amusement park, which was starting to swing into gear. I could hear the thrilling sound of voices as they enjoyed their ride. But it wasn't loud enough to disturb the peace I felt while there.

Heading back, I noticed this amusing placard for the bathroom near the temple and also a nice little gift shop.

I would highly recommend heading out to Yeoju and visiting this temple resort area. For one you can see a bit of cultural history and another you can enjoy some great refreshing scenery. Perhaps, bring some friends and have a picnic if you feel like it.

To get here follow the similar instructions in my ceramic post. Or you can try to follow these instructions:

Dong Seoul Bus Terminal
A bus runs between Seoul and Yeoju (06:30-22:00) and takes 70 minutes. Catch a bus in the direction of the Silleuksa Temple Resort at the bus stop in front of the Yeoju Terminal or Yeoju Town; it takes only 10 minutes.

Seonyudo Park: In the spring time

As you might recall I wasn't having the best of times at the Yeouido Flower festival, and so headed to a familiar park nearby. After checking my digital smart-phone App I found that Seonyudo park was just down the river.

It had been since around 2010 since my last visit and so knew I needed to head there again. Since then a whole new subway line opened, which brings you closer to the park. Seonyudo station lets you exit and walk up a street to a covered bridge, which crosses the great highway.

You might recognize the following view, only with out the filters I applied to it for my blog header.

One of the fun parts of visiting this park is the humped bridge crossing you take to get over.

Spring seemed to be in a jolly mood on this little island in the center of Seoul, as greenery and flowers were found.

I parked myself under a shady tree and had a small lunch of a Caffe Bene sandwich, along with some tteok cakes I picked up. It was a wonderful moment enjoying watching the people pass by, and the pleasantness of a new spring day.

Afterwards, I explored around admiring the flower blossoms. Warning spring amazingness!

The amount of couples prowling about were quite a plenty. It made me wonder how long these relationships would last, or whether the spring air would help keep love strong out there in the love mingling of Seoul.

Otherwise the kids were enjoying the new warmth in the air. I like the following view of Seoul through these yellow blooms.

When you visit Seonyudo park you basically just follow this circular path that takes through the greenery, but then you approach the architectural historic aspects. Not to mention it had mountain peaks taken off, and became a sewage plant. This place is fun to poke around to find all these remnants of history. I found myself at the botanical garden and the sewage treatment remnants.

The park was just starting to get more crowded as I headed out, so I was glad to get some feeling of space in there. On my way back to the subway station, I found myself at what looked like a new minted cafe. Called, "Ipanema" they had a selection of coffees and cool drinks. Staffed by some cute youngins, I enjoyed a blueish lemonade.

I'm telling you, if the rest of Seoul wants to restore itself with these hipster cafes, then I'm all for it! In fact this little stretch of street in Seoul had other cafes and restaurants which looked new, too. Although, many will think it is best to keep Seoul in it's traditional form, I think getting rid of the eye-sore store fronts and million signs, is going to be a blessing.

Anyways, I highly recommend you get out to Seonyudo park, as one of the more green places to visit in this city. You can get great views, have a picnic and cross some fun bridges.