After finishing the workshop, I visited the nearby Namyangju Gwangneung and Bongseonsa. It was a pleasant place to take a short walk and find relaxation.
Namyangju Bongseonsa entrance has the attractive feature of free parking. Many visitors come to Bongseonsa, especially those heading to Pocheon, as it is commonly known. Interestingly, the actual administrative area for Pocheon Bongseonsa is in Namyangju.
The season hadn’t yet brought forth lotus flowers, so the large pond inside Bongseonsa was populated with young plants basking in the warm sunlight. Whether turtles, water plants, or perhaps released specimens by temple visitors, the pond was lively.
May, with Buddha’s birthday, is approaching. This year, it seems a bit later than usual due to the leap month, but preparations for the early spring ritual in the temple are in full swing.
One of the best parts of visiting a temple is sitting under the eaves and experiencing a moment of healing. Sitting on the stone steps beneath the eaves, contemplating, seems inherently therapeutic.
The lanterns, which looked beautiful to the casual observer, held a different meaning for the devout Buddhist. The sounds of nature, the view of distant mountains, all contribute to a serene atmosphere.
In the past, on Buddha’s birthday, people used to come to the temple, receive temple food, and engage in various activities. However, that enthusiasm seems to have faded. After about an hour, thoughts of Gwangneung Arboretum and the walking trail to Gwangneung in Pocheon crossed my mind. Yes, considering what I ate yesterday, it’s time to shed some weight today.
So, I briskly walked from Pocheon Bongseonsa to Gwangneung. It’s not a long distance, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach. Walking along the Pocheon Bongseonsa stream, surrounded by old pine trees, it’s a course where you can get plenty of phytoncides.
Namyangju Gwangneung is the tomb of King Sejo, the 7th monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Jeonghui. Sejo’s evaluation is mixed—criticized for dethroning his nephew, yet praised for consolidating royal authority during the early to mid-Joseon era.
The Gwangneung Forest Trail doesn’t have separate restrooms, so using the one at Gwangneung halfway through the journey is a practical solution. Considering restroom availability is a practical tip for a day trip to Namyangju.
The operating hours for Pocheon Gwangneung are from 9 am to 4:30 pm during standard time. Considering the visiting time, it’s recommended to arrive by 4 pm. Although it’s not a massive royal tomb, enjoying the ambiance of Gwangneung Forest Trail and the tranquility around the tomb may require about 2 hours.
If you planned a day trip to Namyangju, combining Bongseonsa and Gwangneung could make for a leisurely half-day course.
Some tips for a day trip:
- Gwangneung Arboretum requires advance reservation.
- Bongseonsa and Gwangneung don’t require advance booking.
- There are no dining options directly in front of Gwangneung, so consider using restaurants near Bongseonsa or heading towards Gomori Reservoir in Pocheon.
- A day trip course could include Bongseonsa, Gwangneung, and Gomori Reservoir for an enriching day. If you pre-book Gwangneung Arboretum, it would enhance the experience further. (Note: Visiting four places in one day might be challenging; three places would be more manageable.)
Hope you have a great day exploring Namyangju and Pocheon!