Spring Flower Attractions in Gongju: A Stroll Through Sinwonsa with Beautiful Plum and Magnolia Blossoms
As spring arrives, one of the first flowers that comes to mind is the plum blossom. After the cold winter, the blooming of plum flowers signifies the arrival of spring.
When the plum blossoms bloom, festivals are held across the country, attracting visitors eager to see the flowers, including at temples.
I recently visited Sinwonsa in Gongju, where the plum blossoms were reported to be in bloom.
Sinwonsa is conveniently accessible by car right up to the temple entrance. While this makes it easier for those with mobility issues to visit, it does take away from the tranquil atmosphere of the temple.
In front of the office, I found plum blossoms blooming. I was concerned that the warmer weather might have caused many flowers to fall, but fortunately, there were still plenty to enjoy.
In the courtyard, I discovered spring bellflower, a small blue flower that is easy to miss unless you look closely. It's delightful to see as it blooms even before the plum blossoms.
Next to the main hall, I noticed pink plum blossoms. Just a few days ago, they must have been in full bloom, but now many flowers were wilting, and petals fell like rain with each gust of wind.
Amidst the red plum blossoms, I caught a glimpse of the main hall's roof and stone pagoda. I wanted to capture the harmonious scene of the main hall with the red blossoms, but I couldn't due to the installation of lantern supports for the upcoming Buddha's Birthday.
The delicate plum blossoms were dropping petals with each breeze. The flower language of the plum blossom includes purity, patience, and nobility, often seen in temples and historic homes.
Near the Jungakdan altar, there were more plum trees, with petals gradually falling from them as well. It had been six years since my last visit, and the plum trees had grown significantly during that time.
In front of Jungakdan, two flowering trees stood, one of which appeared to be an apricot tree. The blossoms resembled those of the plum tree, making them hard to distinguish, but the red sepals and backward-curving petals suggested they were apricot flowers.
Jungakdan was established during the Joseon Dynasty for the mountain spirit of Gyeryongsan. It is said that after the founder of Sinwonsa, Master Muhak, dreamt of the mountain spirit, a shrine was built in the temple grounds, which later became known as Jungakdan.
As I explored, I found beautiful walls adorned with characters and special patterns, surrounded by camellia trees. The red camellia flowers symbolized eternal love, humility, and sacrifice.
To the right of Jungakdan, several plum trees were flourishing, with bees buzzing around the flowers. Every breeze sent petals swirling down like flower rain.
Next to Yeongwonjeon, tall magnolia trees were beginning to bloom. I wanted to see the flowers up close, but their height required me to look up just to glimpse their lower petals. The pure white beauty of magnolias symbolizes nobility.
As I wandered the temple grounds, I noticed tiles inscribed with wise sayings. One quote stated, 'Character is proven not by accumulated knowledge but by revealed attitude.' Reading these phrases offered wisdom and lessons.
In the area around Beoksuseonwon, there were many old cherry trees, which were full of buds, promising beautiful blossoms in early April.
During my visit to Sinwonsa to see the plum blossoms, I found that they had passed their peak, and petals were falling like rain. It seems that after this week, the plum blossoms will be gone, but the magnolias are expected to bloom beautifully over the weekend.
If you're looking for a spring outing, I recommend visiting Sinwonsa in Gongju, where you can enjoy spring flowers, gain wisdom, and offer prayers.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224231669674
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