To Yeongju to Glimpse the Leisurely Lives of Ancestors | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Buseoksa Temple is a head temple of the Hwaeom Sect, founded in the 16th year of King Munmu’s reign in Silla (676) by the sect’s patriarch Uisang Daesa under royal command. While studying in Tang China, Uisang Daesa heard of the Tang emperor's invasion of Silla, reported this to the king, and returned home to unify the national sentiment and overcome hardships through Hwaeom philosophy, founding this temple as the origin of Korea’s Hwaeom thought. The name Buseoksa comes from a large rock west of the Buddha hall that floats without touching the lower rock, called the “floating rock.” In the Goryeo period, it was called Seondalsa or Heunggyeosa Temple. A manuscript found during restoration in 1916 reveals that Muryangsujeon and others were rebuilt in early Goryeo, but were destroyed by fire in the 7th year of King Gongmin’s reign (1358). Muryangsujeon was rebuilt in the 2nd year of King U’s reign (1376), and Josadang in the 3rd year (1377). The temple grounds contain Unified Silla relics such as the stone lantern in front of Muryangsujeon, stone Buddha statue, three-story stone pagoda, flagpole supports, and stone pedestal, as well as Goryeo relics including Muryangsujeon, Josadang, a clay Buddha statue, Josadang murals, Goryeo woodblocks, and the stele of Wonhyungguksa. Notably, Muryangsujeon is one of Korea’s oldest wooden buildings, and the Josadang murals are the oldest known on wooden structures, now preserved in the artifact museum. The Buddha statue enshrined in Muryangsujeon is the finest clay statue in Korea. The well west of Muryangsujeon is said to be where Uisang Daesa’s guardian dragon lived.

소수박물관은 유교와 관련된 전통문화 유산을 체계화하고, 우리 나라 최초의 사액서원으로 유교의 이상을 간직한 소수서원을 통하여 민족 정신의 뿌리를 찾아가는 민족문화의 전당이다. 이곳은 조선유학의 메카답게 서원과 관련한 귀중한 문화유산과 유학의 전말을 눈으로 체험해 볼 수 있는 국내 유일의 유교박물관이다. 소수박물관은 2004년 9월 22일 개관을 시작으로 영주의 귀중한 유물과 유적을 체계적으로 보존하고 전시함으로써 지역문화의 활성화와 생동감 있는 역사 체험을 위한 공간으로 다가갈 것이다.

Yeongju Seonbi Village is located adjacent to Sosu Seowon in Sunheung, Yeongju, the birthplace of Korean Confucian culture. It is a place that recreates the study area and traditional living spaces of the ancient scholars. It was established as an experiential education center to inherit the Seonbi spirit, establish correct values, and promote a clear sense of history. This site embodies the Seonbi spirit rooted in our nation's life philosophy, aiming to revive fading traditional culture to address social issues such as the collapse of ethics and loss of humanity. It is also used as a living educational venue for inheriting the Seonbi spirit and establishing proper values and historical awareness. Through various planned programs (sensory exhibition experiences, participatory events, traditional culture experiences, etc.), visitors can experience the lifestyle of ancient Seonbi and feel the refined spirit of Seonbi culture that is fading away.

Museom Village is a traditional village named after the Korean word 'Mulsuri,' meaning an island floating on water. Sometimes, it is also called 'Seomgye Village' due to its resemblance to the terrain of the Seomgye region in China. The village consists of over 40 traditional houses, about 30 of which are Joseon Dynasty noble family residences. Sixteen houses are over 100 years old, preserving the traces of ancestors. The single-log bridge, which was the only route connecting the village with the outside until about 30 years ago, is the village's main symbol. Museom Village hosts festivals and events such as the Museom Single-Log Bridge Festival and cultural heritage celebrations. There are traditional hanok experiences and Museom Cultural Village traditional culture programs. The hanok experience includes visiting the Kim Wook House, Kim Cheonhan House, and Kim Taegil House, where visitors can stay overnight to feel the atmosphere of a hanok. Additionally, the Museom Cultural Village offers various programs such as pottery, dyeing, and Four Gentlemen painting experiences.