고구려, 백제, 신라 모두가 사랑한 땅! | 한국 재발견 '삼국의 숨결이 녹아든 중원(中原)의 땅 충주’ (KBS 20120114 방송)

Rediscovering Korea: Chungju, the Land of the Central Plains, Embracing the Breath of the Three Kingdoms ■ Chungju, a city geographically located at the center of the country, is a combination of the characters "jung" (center), "sim" (heart), and "ju." Chungju is not only a geographically central city, but also a historically and culturally significant one. It was successively ruled by Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla during the Three Kingdoms Period, embracing the diverse cultures of the Central Plains. Located in the upper reaches of the Namhan River, it still boasts pristine, beautiful scenery. It is also home to many people who preserve and pass down traditional customs, such as taekkyeon makers, brassware craftsmen, and traditional liquor makers. What will Chungju look like in the run-up to Seollal (Lunar New Year)? Let's explore Chungju, where traces of Central Plains culture are woven throughout the town, alongside the warm faces of elders preparing for the Lunar New Year. 1. Suanbo Hot Springs, Korea's First Natural Hot Spring Suanbo Hot Springs are located on the northwestern slopes of Joryeong, often called the Alps of North Chungcheong Province. It's said that a natural hot spring has been gushing forth here for approximately 30,000 years. Suanbo Hot Springs was once enjoyed by both nobles and commoners. Its fame is documented in over 30 documents, including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and the Dongguk Yeoji Seungram. Known as the "King's Hot Spring," it was a favorite of numerous kings and presidents. 2. Chungju, the Center of the Korean Peninsula Located at the center of the Korean Peninsula, this region served as a strategic transportation hub and was equally occupied by the Three Kingdoms of Korea. Chungju, a central region, embraces the cultures of Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla. Why did the three kingdoms seek to conquer this place? Relics and artifacts from the Three Kingdoms are still being unearthed throughout Chungju! Experience the breath of history by following the traces left behind. 3. People Carrying on Tradition - Yugijang and Masuri Nongyo Chungju is home to a remarkable number of people who preserve their traditions. Park Gap-sul, a yukgi master, has dedicated himself to his family business for over 60 years. Throughout the ten or so stages of the process, he adheres to 100% handcrafting and traditional methods, preserving the tradition. Meanwhile, Masuri Village, where rice farming flourished, naturally fostered a thriving farming scene. The villagers, long forgotten for their ancestors to pray for a bountiful harvest, are now perpetuating this tradition. We meet the yukgi masters, who boast a beautiful golden form, and the people who preserve our savory farming songs. 4. The World's First Intangible Cultural Heritage! The Home of Taekkyeon Taekkyeon, the first martial art to be designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is a traditional martial art. Taekkyeon, with its flowing rhythms and gentle yet diverse offensive and defensive techniques, boasts a long history and tradition that dates back to the Goguryeo Dynasty. In Chungju, the birthplace of taekkyeon, we meet people who are captivated by the charm of this traditional martial art. 5. Lunar New Year in a remote village Lunar New Year, the biggest holiday for our people. As the Lunar New Year approaches, the hands of the people of remote villages begin to get busy. Stories of elderly couples busy making makgeolli for their children, an orchard thriving from their year-long apple harvest, and even a boisterous Lunar New Year feast in Boktan-ri! Heartwarming stories of rural grandparents beaming with laughter as the holiday approaches.... #RediscoverKorea #Chungju #NationalCentral