Korean Heritage Tour in Seongbuk-dong

Explore some of the highlights of Korean Heritage in Seongbuk-dong, where you will get a chance to visit Gilsangsa Temple, one of the oldest ones in Korea and the Korean Stone Art Museum. After learning about Korean history and culture, you can also enjoy a tasty traditional lunch together with your SIWA friends.

Gilsangsa Temple has a fascinating history, as once it was one of the foremost yojeongs (courtesan houses), where powerful men visited and used to convene businesses behind the scenes. The temple is named after the woman who donated the buildings, a gisaeng (a highly-trained female entertainer and courtesan) named Kim Yeong-han, who had a change of heart after reading “Non-Possession” by Venerable Beopjeong Sunim. The monk initially denied her request but, in 1995, decided to turn the buildings into a temple. As a result, the temple has a very unusual atmosphere because it kept many of its original features. The temple is highly regarded for its involvement in cultural exchanges with other religions and programs to help visitors experience Buddhism. Its light and shade, hills and valleys combine in perfect harmony here.

https://www.theseoulguide.com/gilsangsa-temple/

Address: 68, Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu

Korean Stone Art Museum is a good starting place to learn about Korean stone sculptures and what the stone sculptures were used for. The museum was founded by a successful businessman (also the museum’s Chairman) who is nationalistic and determined to keep Korean stone sculptures. Some of the collections are national assets taken out of the country. He even managed to buy back some from overseas collectors and bring them back home. The founder’s mission was to introduce the aesthetic beauty and significant cultural values of old Korean stone sculptures. This museum relocated from the old one to Seongbuk-dong, surrounded by a beautiful Bugaksan Mountain and the Seoul City Wall. The exhibition includes ancient-stone artifacts, traditional embroideries, and modern Korean paintings.

http://www.koreanstonemuseum.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=pe_b01_01

http://www.koreanheritage.kr/inside/view.jsp?articleNo=35

Address: 66, Daesagwan-ro 13-gil, Seongbuk-gu

Event host: Bockhee Lee, SIWA’s Cultural Connections Committee Chair

bockheelee2012@gmail.com

Venue: Gilsangsa Temple & Korean Stone Art Museum

Meeting point: We will meet in front of Hansung University Station (Exit 6) at 9:40 am. 

(transportation: Please take subway line number 4 to Hansung University Station and walk out to Exit 6)