This is a new guided walking-tour of three interesting sacred sites just east of the old Great East Gate, still within Seoul’s downtown area but rarely visited by our international residents.

Dongmyo-ap Station takes its name from being “ap” (across from) the nearby Dong Gwan-wang Myo [East Guān Yǔ Royal Shrine], nationally-designated Treasure #142. This is a now-obscure but interesting compound honoring a legendary 3rd-century Chinese military commander, constructed by the Korean King using funds from the Ming Emperor, from 1599 to 1601. Four of these shrines were originally built in those days, in the four cardinal directions, but only the east one remains today. The reason why they were built involves fascinating stories of Korean history and insights into its long relationship with the Chinese Empire, and our guide will happily explain all of this!

Next, we’ll walk up to old Anyang Hermitage (안양암) buried deep in an ordinary urban neighborhood, seeming rather anonymous from outside, but once inside the gate we’ll see that is sits on and beneath an extraordinary rocky cliff extending from Nak-san (old Seoul’s eastern mountain). Its most prominent feature is a century-old relief-carving of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, designated as Seoul City Treasure #122 – the last rock-carved Buddhist statue from the Joseon Dynasty. The temple features several Halls with interesting artworks, and some unique shrines up on the crags (offering great views) – including a shrine-cave –our guide will point-out & interpret the interesting aspects.

Finally, we will visit the nearby Myogak-sa Temple established by Master Taeheo Hongseon in 1930 on a site at the foot of Mt. Naksan that he selected based on the principles of Pungsu-jiri [Geomancy, Feng Shui] in the belief that it would bring peace and comfort to Seoul’s residents. It is a great example of a modern urban temple built “vertically” instead of spread-out, and has plenty of unique artworks (including a cliff-carved Buddha-set) to view and consider. It has become well-known for its popular TempleStay programs – half-day, one-day or overnight – and we will be informed about those over a nice cup of tea. A pavilion up on the bluff above the temple (in Naksan Park) grants a fine forest-filtered view.

Finish: 12:30 pm, Exit #2 of the Dongmyo-ap Metro Station; many busses are also available, and taxis are easy. Many fine restaurants are in this area…

Diese Tour findet auf Englisch statt und wird zusammen mit SIWA durchgeführt.This tour is offered in cooperation with SIWA in English.

Fragen beantwortet euch gerne Wiebke Axebark. Please contact Wiebke if you have any questions.

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