Springtime Reflections in Jinan, Jeollabuk-do
Walking, reading, and resting,
I'm taking a break in Jinan, Jeollabuk-do.
Spring has arrived. Recently, I started paying attention to the seasons while reading a book titled Seasonal Happiness by author Kim Shin-ji. We are currently experiencing the vernal equinox, a time when the days begin to lengthen.
As the equinox approaches, flowers everywhere are eager to showcase their unique colors. Yellow blooms from forsythia and cornus, white blossoms from plum, magnolia, and cherry trees, and even the deep pink of red plum blossoms can be seen. After the monochrome winter, my eyes are naturally drawn to the vibrant colors of the newly bloomed flowers.
In addition to the flowers, willows also attract attention. These trees, which thrive near water, are among the first to sprout their tender leaves. Observing the willows during this season has become a delightful ritual for me.
To find a willow adorned with light green buds, I decided to visit the Yongdamho Natural Ecological Wetland Park in Jinan. After boarding a bus to Jinan from the Inhu-dong bus stop in Jeonju, I arrived at the Jinan intercity bus terminal and transferred to a bus heading to Angyeon, Sangjeon, or Donghyang-myeon, getting off at the Ungeon stop.
Whenever I go out, I make sure to pack a book, camera, and tumbler. On this day, I brought along The Beautiful and Perilous Giants of a Thousand Years by Kim Yang-jin to complement my visit to the wetlands.
Arriving at Ungeon, I quickly checked the bus schedule for the return trip to Jinan since the bus intervals in this small town, with a population of under 25,000, can be quite long. Near the entrance of the wetland park, a sign for the Jinan Park Golf Course welcomes visitors. After a short walk, I was greeted by the expansive view of the wetland park.
Seeing clusters of lotus seed pods, I imagined how the summer would transform the area into a dense field of blooming lotus flowers. The changing atmosphere with each season is a precious gift that should not be overlooked in our daily lives.
In March, many trees struggle to sprout their tender leaves. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy the branches and trunks that are still visible for now. As the leaves grow denser, the shaded areas for rest will expand. Before the leaves fully bloom, the sunlit branches and trunks create artistic shadows.
The park is dotted with pavilions and benches, making it a pleasant place to stroll and rest. I found a spot under a tree's shade and set up my camping chair, thinking, 'This view is perfect.'
Just as we regularly eat, sleep, and meet friends to share our thoughts, it's also essential to carve out time to bask in the sunlight that nature generously offers.
I put my digital devices aside and gazed at the willows with their tender leaves. As I focused on the moment, I began to hear sounds I had previously missed—specifically, the chirping of birds. I likely heard them amidst the noise of daily life but had not recognized them. In this moment, I wanted to give my ears a break.
I hope the life of the trees planted along the path of Yongdamho Natural Ecological Wetland Park can thrive without unnecessary human interference. Trees are precious companions that bring us tranquility just by existing.
Seated under the shade, I enjoyed coffee and reading while listening to the orchestra of birds. I did all this without any cost, feeling grateful for nature.
The Yongdamho Natural Ecological Wetland Park has two restrooms located near the entrance, and there are ramps for those with mobility challenges.
I used to think that 'spring' was all about flower viewing. However, after reading a book related to the seasons, I realized we should not lump 'spring' into just one category but consider the different seasonal divisions.
From now on, I plan to seek out flowers and willows every spring. By dividing the seasons, I can create my own 'to-do' list for each period, which seems like a great way to enrich my life in a short time.
After the vernal equinox comes the Pure Brightness festival, followed by the Grain Rain. If you didn't make a 'to-do' list during the equinox, why not think of one for Pure Brightness and Grain Rain? I hope your life is filled with abundance.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224246226353
No comments yet.
