이명숙's review

10/3 We have begun our 2-day, 1-night trip to Muan and Yeongam. First, in Muan, we visited the Seon Master Cho-ui Historic Site and enjoyed a tea ceremony picnic. We learned about the origins and types of tea, the life of Master Cho-ui, and his philosophy of the tea ceremony. He had a unique relationship with Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and Chusa Kim Jeong-hui. Great people are surrounded by great people; as the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. We beautifully arranged premium teas, lotus leaf tea, rice cakes, and traditional sweets on a table and enjoyed a tea picnic while sitting in a meditation hall, a pavilion, or under the shade of pine trees. After spending a beautiful tea time enjoying the breeze carrying the scent of pine and tea blossoms, we had a healing session with Thinking Bowl Yoga. Next, we spent some time carving a seal. I carved it myself onto the stone. I designed and carved the pen name "Eunul" to give as a gift to Solfriend. I hope he likes it. After finishing dinner with a three-legged octopus hot pot, we stayed overnight at Hillok Stay, which has a spacious yard. I expected to see stars in the pitch-black night sky of Muan, but I was a bit disappointed that only a few were visible. 10/4 Yeongam Trip We spent a charming night in a Hanok. We took a short walk, breathing in the energy of Wolchulsan Mountain. The vivid appearance of the jujube and pomegranate trees, the warm lines of the roof, and the fact that the roof's colors were not a single shade but had a slight gradient feel made it incredibly beautiful. I toured the historic site of Wangin's birthplace and the museum. Although Seongcheon Stream is currently dry, there is a story that wisdom is gained there, and it is said that receiving energy from the site where the house once stood grants a wish for conception. Walking along a path where clusters of red spider lilies bloomed like blazing flames, I was deeply curious about the "Book Cave" where my ancestor—who crossed the sea in the 5th century to introduce wisdom and Confucianism to Japan and became a sage of Japan rather than Korea—used to study; however, due to time constraints, I was unable to climb up, which was a pity. Next, I participated in a fig bread making experience. I made only one fig bread. Listening to the beautiful life story of Sang-jang, a mulberry paper artist who runs the "Art Gallery Cafe Under the Courtyard," I was deeply moved. Overcoming the trauma of childhood injustice, she manages such a beautiful and wonderful life on her own; she soars every day with her dreams. I pray that her wings will continue to fly powerfully for years to come. She served a small meal with a cup of coffee adorned with wildflowers I love; today, it felt as though a flower fairy was smiling just for me. Next, I saw the "Wolchul-an Soban" created by a dyeing artist. Lunch is not a meal, but art; it is a mountain of flowers, with clusters of peonies. It looked as if a single flower had bloomed, so I could not bring myself to grab it and eat it. The dough and snacks we had made while we ate lunch were baked well in the oven. After individually wrapping them and neatly folding the gift box to place them inside, I wanted to give them as a gift to that one precious person in the world—though perhaps that person could be myself. The entire village was a beautiful canvas and a work of sculptural art, and like saints of art, their intentions, creativity, and worldviews were extraordinary. All the travelers asked, "Can't we stay here for another day?" leaving happy laughter echoing through Wolchulsan Mountain. Then, we visited Dogapsa Temple, a thousand-year-old sanctuary. Although the temple complex of Dogapsa, built by National Preceptor Doseon who perfected geomancy and Feng Shui, was almost entirely burned down and rebuilt, the seated stone Buddha in the Maitreya Hall is a treasure. The Maitreya Buddha, draped in a large halo carved with lotus flowers on a solid rock, was created in relief on the rock, and both his smile and appearance looked weighty. The sight of that single figure and the withered hackberry tree silently conveyed the indifference of history and the passage of time. The visit to Dogapsa Temple was deeply meaningful just by its appearance. Feeling the energy emanating from this auspicious site designated by National Preceptor Doseon and enveloping my body, I hurriedly set off on my journey home. I felt that this would become a travel memory that ranks among the top ten of my lifetime during my domestic trips.