Healing Trip to Turtle-Shaped Jwagusan | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Botasa is a temple affiliated with the Taego Order of Korean Buddhism, located on Mt. Yeontan 2-ri in Jeungpyeong-gun. Situated on the foothills of Dutasan, Botasa holds a relatively short history of about 130 years. It was founded during the Joseon Dynasty under King Gojong and was rebuilt in 1976 not far from the original site. Following a narrow forest path, the temple appears surrounded by the Dutasan ridges that stretch like a folding screen, providing a cozy and quiet atmosphere that soothes the mind. Passing the stone stairway, the temple grounds include the bell pavilion, monks' quarters, Gamshil rock Buddha, 7-story stone pagoda, Daeungjeon hall, and Sansingak shrine. Among these, a sitting mica statue of Akshobhya Buddha is enshrined within a rock naturally formed into a niche, showing a friendly yet gentle appearance. In Daeungjeon, the Three-Body Buddha is enshrined, and in the front yard stands a 7-story stone pagoda made to pray for national reunification. Although the pagoda was constructed recently and gives a slightly sharp impression, it carries great significance as it embodies the earnest prayers of many people who participated in its creation. Botasa is mystical with its beautiful Dutasan ridges and clusters of bamboo scattered throughout the area.

Near Mireuksa Temple in Mireukdaengi village, Miam 1-ri, about 2 km northwest after crossing the Bogangcheon Jeungpyeong Bridge from Jeungpyeong-eup Office, there is a zelkova tree over 300 years old, and under it stands a Stone Standing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue inside a protective shed. This statue is 2.6 m tall, with a white tiger carved between its eyebrows, and well-aligned eyes, nose, and lips. It has three folds clearly visible on its neck, and a plump body. The robe is worn as a single piece, draped over the shoulders and falling to the sides; the left hand rests on the abdomen, and the right hand holds a carved lotus stalk. Currently, the statue's two feet are buried underground, the neck is reinforced with cement, and a granite worship stone measuring 1.23 m long, 0.57 m wide, and 0.12 m thick is placed in front. Based on the crown's Buddha image, the jeweled ornaments, carving techniques of the robe patterns, and the halo, the statue is estimated to date back to the mid-Goryeo period. The statue is revered as a guardian Buddha of the village, and village rites are held in the lunar new year of leap years. It is said that the village name Mireukdaengi originated from this statue.

This Buddha statue, standing facing north among the fields of Namhari village in Jeungpyeong-eup, was once scattered along with two small Buddha statues. In 1949, the monk Yun Wol-in, who founded Seongju Temple on the mountain behind the village, gathered and re-erected them. After the Korean War, the villagers have protected it as their guardian deity. The statue’s feet are partially buried in the ground. It wears a tall crown on its head, and with its left hand raised to the chest to support a lotus flower, it is a Bodhisattva statue. The crown makes the head quite large, the shoulders are narrow, and the body has a flat volume showing an elongated rectangular shape overall. The smiling facial expression is well carved, giving a gentle impression. The clothing is depicted with a wide-open chest area, and rounded wrinkles fall over both legs at the lower part. This imposing statue stands 350 cm tall and exemplifies the features of Bodhisattva statues popular regionally after the mid-Goryeo period.

Haeseong is located on Chungcheong-daero in Jeungpyeong-gun and is known as a specialty restaurant for Korean beef ribs. It is situated on a major road connecting Cheongju and Chungju, making it easy to find. Only the highest quality A++ grade or above Korean beef supplied by the Goesan Jeungpyeong Livestock Cooperative is carefully selected and served to customers, and the beef comes from the clean regions of Goesan and Jeungpyeong, ensuring trust. You can experience the unique flavors of Korean beef that vary slightly by cut. There are tender and chewy fresh rib meat, and a menu called 'one cow' that allows you to taste various cuts at once such as sirloin, striploin, brisket, and skirt meat. You can also enjoy Hong Sam pork, a specialty of Jeungpyeong. Additionally, Haeseong, a premium Korean beef brand in Jeungpyeong, is the first in the country to receive antibiotic-free livestock certification from the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, ensuring reliability. It is also the second directly managed store by Jeungpyeong Livestock Cooperative, so prices are free from unnecessary markups, which is a key feature of this restaurant. It is a place where you can truly enjoy the taste of Korean beef.

Jeungpyeong Jwagusan Natural Recreation Forest is located on the foothills of Jwagusan, the highest peak of the Hannam-Geumbuk mountain range. Jwagusan, whose shape resembles a turtle symbolizing happiness and longevity, perfectly suits a recreation forest for relaxation. This place is suitable for day trips as well, offering various experiences such as the Forest Meditation House, Meditation Cloud Bridge, and Jwagusan Observatory, without requiring overnight stays. The Forest Meditation House operates forest healing programs, forest interpretation, and youth forest programs, making it a great spot for children. Additionally, there are activities like Jwagusan tightrope walking, sledding hill, and forest adventure facilities for forest sports. Nearby Samgi Reservoir adds charm on foggy days alongside Jwagusan. Centered around the recreation forest, facilities like the recreation village, Samgi Reservoir, and hiking trails are interconnected, creating a comprehensive recreational tourism area for cultural experiences, physical and mental training, and relaxation.