A Water Journey Along the Geumgang | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Yongamsa Temple is located on the mid-slope of Jangyongsan in Okcheon-gun and is a subordinate temple of Beopjusa, the head temple of the 5th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was established by Uisin in 552 (the 13th year of King Jinheung's reign during the Silla period). The twin three-story stone pagodas at Yongamsa are uniquely situated on a low northern peak with views in all directions, unlike the usual temple layouts. These pagodas are believed to have been built following the Goryeo dynasty's sancheon bibo (mountain and river protection) belief, which involves erecting pagodas or buildings to revitalize the declining energies of the landscape. Yongamsa houses the Treasure-designated Okcheon Yongamsa Twin Three-story Stone Pagodas and the Yongamsa Rock-carved Buddha, and in the main hall (Daeseongjeon), there remains a wooden seated Amitabha Buddha statue. The twin pagodas consist of two identical stone towers standing side by side on a natural rock base, with three stories of the tower body rising proportionally without visual shortening—an unusual form. Based on the stylistic elements and simplified construction techniques of the stonework, the pagodas are estimated to have been built during the Goryeo period. Although the main hall, housing the wooden seated Amitabha statue created in 1651 (the 2nd year of King Hyojong of Joseon), and other buildings have been altered from their original forms, the twin three-story stone pagodas and the rock-carved Buddha have remained unchanged for over a thousand years. The temple buildings offer beautiful traditional architecture harmonizing with nature. To the left of the twin pagodas is a hiking trail that leads up to the summit of Jangryongsan.

When you visit Busomu Village in Gunbuk-myeon, Okcheon-gun, Chungbuk, you can encounter the scenic view called Busodamak. Busodamak is a bizarre cliff rising above the water, stretching an impressive 700 meters. It is the spectacular view that completes the Chuso Eight Views, praised as Salt Gang by the Joseon Dynasty scholar Song Si-yeol. Originally, Busodamak was not a waterside cliff. It used to be a mountain, but after the completion of the Daecheong Dam, part of the mountain was submerged underwater, creating a landscape with rock screens seemingly surrounding the water. The best place to admire the grandeur of Busodamak is Chusojeong pavilion. From the pavilion, you can clearly see the shape of a dragon sliding smoothly over the lake. The sharply jutting rocks and the lake of unfathomable depth give a chilling feeling, while the mystery of nature preserved over thousands of years comes closer to the heart. You can also hike along the ridge of Busodamak. Below the narrow ridge path is a dizzying cliff with blue water opening its mouth like a crocodile.

This is the birthplace of Jeong Jiyong, the representative poet of modern Korean poetry known for his poem 'Hyangsu,' located right next to the Jeong Jiyong Literature Museum. Jeong Jiyong was born here on November 20, 1902, and spent his childhood in this house. Although the house was demolished in 1974, it was restored to its original form in July 1996. Jeong Jiyong was a poet who wrote pure poetry while lamenting the pain of the Korean people during the Japanese colonial period. This site is an important space to understand the life and literature of Jeong Jiyong. The house is a single-story traditional hanok with a thatched roof, consisting of three bays in the front and three bays on the side. The inner quarters include a kitchen and two rooms, while the sarangchae consists of two rooms and a wooden floor. Around the birthplace, there is a statue and a commemorative stone of Jeong Jiyong, as well as a small stream flowing nearby. The Jeong Jiyong Literature Museum exhibits the poet's belongings such as his vest, brush, ink, and books, along with materials related to his life, works, and connection to Okcheon. A literary commentator is present for detailed explanations. Nearby are Janggyegwan Tourist Site, Okcheon Hyangsu 100-ri Bicycle Path, and the Yook Youngsoo Birthplace not far away.

충북 옥천군 옥천읍 하계리는 우리에게 '향수'로 잘 알려진 시인 정지용이 나고 자란 고향이다. 정지용 생가 옆에는 정지용의 삶과 문학을 이해하고 대표적인 작품을 다양한 방법으로 감상하며 체험할 수 있는 공간인 정지용문학관이 이웃해 있다. 문학전시실은 테마별로 정지용의 문학을 접할 수 있도록 지용연보, 지용의 삶과 문학, 지용문학지도, 시·산문집 초간본 전시 등 다양한 공간을 마련하고 있다.