Photos - The Korea Times

Gongsan Fortress revives memories of Baekje Kingdom

It’s easy to see that Gongsan Fortress is no ordinary site, with the solemn figure of a carved guard keeping watch. The meandering ivy mingles with the surrounding forest that encloses the mountain castle, which in turn grasps firmly to the swooping ranges, speaking of its long history. Looking down from the watchtower affords the visitor a view unmatched in its beauty. This stronghold is said to be representative of the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.-660 A.D.), located in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province. These consecrated walls were once called Ungjin Fortress, which protected the seat of government in the eponymous capital, now present-day Gongju. In ancient times, King Munju (475 A.D.) moved the capital of Baekje from Seoul to Ungjin and the fortress was built around the new hub, protecting five generations of rulers for 64 years. The altitude of the fortress at 110 meters forms a fortified area from the western peak of the mountain. The total perimeter of the fortress more than 2,660-meters-long, running 800 meters from east to west and 400 meters north to south, is in a r

Sep 16, 2010

The history of Baekje Kingdom unfolds

By Shim Hyun-chul Drums are pounding rhythmically in the background, along with the racing heartbeats of soldiers ready for battle while clutching spears and suited in armor. The horses also add to the thunderous pounding, elegantly yet swiftly going into battle. The culture and history of the Baekje Kingdom that dates back to 1,400 years ago is being brought back to life. Along with the Silla and Goryeo Kingdom, Baekje was one of the ancient eras that reigned from B.C. 18 to A.D. 660 on Korean soil and was known as a cultural haven that brought together various civilizations from Eastern Asia. Buyeo and Gongju counties in South Chungcheong Province were the two main areas where the country flourished, and they are joining forces to host the Great Baekje World Festival from Sept. 18 to Oct. 17. Starting in 1955 and only in Buyeo, the event expanded in both quality and quantity until 2007 when it was held in both counties. The Bakeje Cultural Land located in Buyeo, which will be the main venue of the event, was gradually created and improved by numerous masters in va

Sep 9, 2010By Shim Hyun-chul

Jungmyeongjeon Hall: Korea’s tumultuous modern history revisited

By Shim Hyun-chul Jeong-dong, central Seoul, is a popular weekend destination — with Deoksu Palace providing a breath of serene air and the stonewall alleyway, known for making love come true, offering a romantic urban escape. Yet long ago this place was once shrouded by sword-bearing soldiers — Korea was stripped of its national sovereignty in the Protectorate Treaty at gunpoint by 1,000 Japanese men here in 1905. But over time, the tragic site of the nation’s downfall was obscured into oblivion and shadowed by the tall buildings that began sprouting up in the area. Last Sunday marked the centennial of the forced annexation of Korea on Aug. 29, 1910, and Jungmyeongjeon Hall of Deoksu Palace reopened its doors. The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) completed a two-year renovation project to restore the original grandeur of the building, which is designated as Seoul’s Tangible Cultural Property No. 153. Having gone through more than just a physical restoration, Jungmyeongjeon now allows the public to revisit the historical scene. The Western-style struc

Sep 2, 2010By Shim Hyun-chul

Eco farm experience in city

By Shim Hyun-chul The scorching summer heat might make most people lethargic but the high temperatures seem to be no problem for children who are participating in a hands-on experience at an eco-friendly farm operated by the Gangdong-gu District Office, eastern Seoul. Since April in 2009 the office has operated the eco-friendly farms in Sangil-dong and Dunchon-dong as children living in the city have fewer chances to experience agricultural activities. On the farms, agricultural products such as pepper, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, cucumbers and eggplants are grown in an organic way without the use of chemical fertilizers. Targeting children in the kindergartens and elementary schools in the district, the classes teach them to observe the seedlings and experience cultivating and planting, along with volunteers. Children can taste the vegetables such as the potatoes and corn they harvest themselves and take part in a handkerchief making event, using the dyes of the flowers and grass growing naturally around the farms. In spring, lettuce, young radish, spinach and cr

Aug 26, 2010By Shim Hyun-chul

Gwanghwamun: Main entrance to Gyeongbok Palace

By Shim Hyun-chul Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbok Palace, but due to its frequent vandalism, it was never recognized as a national landmark as it should have been over the years. Now, it has recovered its righteous location, while boasting new grandeur and grace. The eaves resemble the wings of a bird that is about to fly away, while the flamboyant ``dancheong’’ or traditional coloring technique adds breathtaking beauty to the already elaborate décor. One of the foremost historical sites has finally been unveiled on Aug. 15 after a three-year-and-eight month renovation. Gwanghwamun was first built in 1395, the fourth year of King Taejo of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). It was destroyed during a Japanese invasion in the late 16th century and reconstructed in the reign of King Gojong in 1865. The building’s location was shifted to the north of Geonchunmun, the east gate of the palace, by the Japanese in the 1920s. The gate was destroyed again during the Korean War but rebuilt as a concrete structure in 1968, and a signboard written in hangeul

Aug 19, 2010By Shim Hyun-chul

Andong, Capital of Korean Sprit : Toegye Trail

Blue skies. Sounds of a warbling bird. The river’s water flows leisurely. A stork stands perfectly still above his rippling reflection. Following the sunlit sparkle of the river, a narrow path gives off the fragrance of rich soil and grass with each step. The hot breath of the city stands no chance here. A refreshing breeze between the sky and the green grass envelopes the road and its travelers - a touch light enough to create the brief illusion that one might be a wise sage living alone in nature. What thoughts did the wise scholar Toegye have when walking along this path, long ago- In order to promote important tourist destinations along the country’s four major rivers, the sites of a major restoration project now underway, the Korea Tourism Organization has created several green cultural excursions near the waterside. This idyllic Toegye Trail on the Nakdong River in Andong is one of those courses. Andong, where the recently-named UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hahoe Village is located, could be called the capital of the country’s ethics culture. It’s a place where a t

Aug 5, 2010By Shim Hyun-chul

African dance and music: Seoul Zoo Nocturne Festival

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff reporter The blazing summer sun sets, leaving behind a crimson glow, and the beat of African drums and animal noises resound through the palm trees. When darkness descends, a fire torch-lit path invites visitors to an otherworldly festival, to sit down by a baobab tree and tune into the rhythms of African dance and music. Seoul Zoo offers visitors a break from the smelting heat through a nocturne festival featuring live traditional African performances. The zoo celebrated its centennial last year and will extend its opening hours until 10 p.m. every night until Aug. 31. Animal lovers need not worry about disturbing animals’ sleep. Rather, visitors should think of ways to have fun with them. Nocturnal animals line the night festival venue, and show off their unique afterhours habits. Tigers, for example, unleash their beastly instincts, and their roars will scare the heat away. Not to miss is a special exhibition of African relics that offer a peek into the rich culture. Other popular attractions include the group dance show by 80 pink fla

Jul 29, 2010By Shim Hyun-chul

HS A midsummer nights dream in the city: Seoul Plaza sizzles with arts and culture

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff reporter It's only daybreak and the black asphalt is already roasting from the stifling rays of the sun. Hot carbon dioxide exhausts from cars that swarm the roads, adding to the summer heat. Seoul Plaza is easily associated with a multitude of ``Red Devil'' football fans who gathered there to watch the World Cup games. Now that the games in South Africa are over, however, the square is now host to a variety of arts events. The top notch outdoor stage rivals those seen in overseas opera festivals. Moreover, these open-air evening performances provide a sweet break from the daily grind. Here, no one has to worry about securing tickets. All performances are free of charge and the large stretch of grass invites all passersby to sit down. Any spot on the green is VIP-worthy. The clientele is diverse, from workers making a stop on their way home to tourists passing by and families that traveled from afar to take in a show. For the fourth year, opera, musical, traditional Korean music, pop, classical and dance performances are taking place. The st

Jul 15, 2010By Shim Hyun-chul

JSA: Joint Security Area of Panmunjeom

By Shim Hyun-chul Staff reporter Panmunjeom is a village on the de facto border between South and North Korea, where the Armistice Agreement that halted the 1950- 53 Korean War was signed. The building, Panmungak, where the armistice was signed, still stands, though it is on the northern side of the Military Demarcation Line, which runs through the middle of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It is considered one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. The Joint Security Area (JSA) in the truce village is used by the two Koreas for diplomatic engagements and was also the site of military negotiations between the United Nations Command and North Korea. The JSA has been the site of numerous major events since its establishment in 1953, the first of which was the repatriation of prisoners of war (POWs) after the cessation of hostilities, across the Bridge of No Return. The JSA consists of several blue buildings, some of which straddle the border between the two Koreas. In fact, it is where most talks between the two countries occur. Inside one of these buildings is th

Jul 8, 2010By Shim Hyun-chul

Yangjae Stream Outdoor Pool

Sweat breaks down your back every time you move - it’s that time of the year when the smoldering heat makes you want to plunge into the closest pool of cool water. Just in time, swimming pools are opening their doors as the heat wave peaks, inviting you to take a plunge, including the Yangjae Stream Outdoor Pool. Since opening in July 2007, the pool has been catering to Seoul’s swimmers for its great location near Yangjae Citizens’ Forest near Gangnam-ro and for housing various facilities. Last year 60,000 Seoulites took a swim in the pool. The outdoor facility comprises of a pool for adults which, measuring 13.2 by 50 meters, meets international standards, as well as two circular pools for children with a diameter of 10 meters. There are also water slides for kids, parasols and walkways with acupressure points. Entire families can also have fun at the water playground featuring fountains stretching 100 meters long. “I came here last year and it’s more fun to play here with my friends than travel somewhere far away,” remarked an elementary school student who visited th

Jul 1, 2010By Shim Hyun-chul

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