Nature trip to old pines and caves | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Samcheok Cheoneunsa Temple is a branch temple of Woljeongsa Temple in the 4th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located in Naemiro-ri, Miro-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do. The history of Cheoneunsa goes back to Baekryeondae, founded in the 17th year of King Gyeongdeok's reign (738), when three Taoist immortals from India brought white lotuses and established it. During the reign of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo, Yi Seunghyu wrote Jeowang Un-gi here, and the surrounding area of Cheoneunsa has been designated as the historic site 'Yi Seunghyu Historic Site.' Yi Seunghyu built Yongandang and is said to have borrowed Buddhist scriptures from Samhwasa Temple to read. Later, he donated Yongandang to the temple and changed the temple's name to Ganjangam. In the 3rd year of Gwangmu (1899), when the tomb of Yi Seong-gye's 4th ancestor, Mokjorung, was made in Hwargi-ri, Miro-myeon, the temple was designated as a royal shrine and renamed Cheoneunsa to signify receiving the king's grace. The temple was almost completely destroyed by fire during the Korean War but was rebuilt by Monk Mun Ilbong in 1983. Within Cheoneunsa, there is Donganssa Shrine dedicated to Yi Seunghyu. In spring, you can walk along a pebbled path and see fully bloomed cherry blossom trees.

Yeonggyeongmyo is the tomb of a woman from the Pyeongchang Lee clan, the wife of General Lee Yang-mu, the 5th ancestor of Joseon Taejo Lee Seong-gye, and the mother of the 4th ancestor Mokjo Lee An-sa. Originally, she lived with Lee Yang-mu in Jeonju, Jeolla-do, but moved here and passed away. Later, Mokjo Lee An-sa relocated to Hamgyeong-do, and the site was forgotten for centuries. After the founding of Joseon, kings including Taejo made great efforts to find their ancestors' tombs. This place was called a tomb since early Joseon, as it was believed to be the 5th ancestor's grave, leading to Samcheok-gun being promoted to Samcheok-bu, but it was uncertain. In 1899 (Gwangmu 3), the tomb was restored along with Jungyeongmyo, with shrines and a pavilion built, and it was posthumously named Yeonggyeongmyo. Yeonggyeongmyo consists of a high burial mound, Hongssalmun gate, pavilion, and is designated a historic site along with the ritual hall, the wooden monument to King Mokjo, and Jungyeongmyo, the tomb of General Lee Yang-mu. Every year on April 20, the Jeonju Lee clan holds a memorial rite here. Jungyeongmyo and Yeonggyeongmyo, located 4 km away in Hwalgi-ri, are the only Joseon royal ancestors’ tombs in South Korea and hold important historical and academic value. Nearby are Samcheok Hwalgi Healing Forest, Hwalgi Cave, and the Gangwon Comprehensive Museum, making a visit to the heritage sites worthwhile.

Jungyeongmyo is located in Hwalgi-ri Neunggok and is the tomb of General Yi Yang-mu, the great-great-great-grandfather of Joseon’s founder King Taejo Yi Seong-gye. Along with his son Yi An-sa, they were influential figures in Wansan (present-day Jeonju) and, after conflict with local powers, moved to Hwalgi-ri, Miro-myeon, Samcheok, where the tomb was established. When Yi An-sa relocated to Hamgyeong-do, Yi Yang-mu’s tomb was forgotten for centuries. After the founding of Joseon, King Taejo and subsequent monarchs made great efforts to find their ancestor’s graves. Because this site represented the tomb of the 5th ancestor, the area was elevated from Samcheok-gun to Samcheok-bu and was called a neung (royal tomb) from early Joseon times, though its authenticity was unclear. In 1899 (Gwangmu 3), along with Yeonggyeongmyo, the tomb was restored, with the construction of a shrine and stele pavilion, and was honored as Jungyeongmyo. The shrine in front, the west hall, the wooden Daewang Gugeoyuji stele, and Yeonggyeongmyo, the tomb of General Yi Yang-mu's wife, were designated as historical sites in 2012. Samcheok Jungyeongmyo and Yeonggyeongmyo are the only royal ancestors’ tombs from the Joseon dynasty in South Korea and hold significant historical and academic value. An ancestral rite is held every year on April 20th, hosted by the Jeonju Yi clan’s grand ancestral shrine organization. The area is covered by a dense forest of ancient Geumgang pine trees, recognized as the most beautiful forest in a national forest beauty competition, preserving a primeval forest landscape. It is known as a famous spot for forest bathing and walking.

Hwansun Cave is the largest limestone cave in Korea, first recorded in 1662 by scholar Heo Mok in the 『Cheokjuji』. Formed about 530 million years ago, this cave preserves the natural wonder shaped by long geological time. Inside, various stalactites, stalagmites, and columns shaped like a Beauty Statue, Mary Statue, Goblin's Club, and Jade Throne majestically develop, creating a mysterious atmosphere. These delicate and unique shapes, like sculptures made by nature, leave a deep impression on visitors. A total of 47 animal species have been discovered in Hwansun Cave, with four species, including Hwansunjangnimjom Ddakjeongbeolle, found only in Hwansun Cave or first recorded there, highlighting its ecological significance. Since April 2010, a monorail has operated to allow easier access to the cave entrance. Hwansun Cave, where nature, science, and ecology harmonize, is an attractive destination for those seeking a mysterious and special geological journey.