홍도화 피어난 지리산 삼성궁의 봄, 에매랄드빛 저수지와 삼성인을 만나다

Hadong Jirisan Samseonggung Located at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level on Mt. Jirisan, known as a "Spiritual Mountain," it is a national sanctuary and training ground dedicated to the Three Sages of Gojoseon: Hwanin, Hwanung, and Dangun. Its origins trace back to 1983 when Kang Min-ju (Dharma name: Seon Master Hanpul), a native of Hadong who lamented the fading spirit of the Baedal people, settled here with the intention of restoring the ancient "Sodo"—a site where sacrifices were offered to the heavenly deities—in order to realize the ideals of "Hongik Ingan Ihwa Segye" (benefiting all humanity and governing the world with reason). Since then, he has cultivated over 330,000 square meters of land together with his attendants. For a while, it began to quietly gain recognition only among visitors to Cheonghak-dong and hikers of Mt. Jirisan. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was introduced on social media platforms like Instagram as a "hidden travel destination in Hadong," catapulting it to national fame as a famous stone pagoda attraction visited by 300,000 people annually. Situated like a fortress on the ridge of Mt. Jirisan, Samseonggung cannot be fully appreciated without climbing it, making a walking tour essential. Starting from the ticket office (8,000 won for adults), the 1.5 km trail takes about 20 to 30 minutes one way if you walk slowly to Samseonggung, while completing the full loop and descending takes about an hour and a half. Just as you begin to run out of breath on the continuous uphill climb, an emerald-colored pond and Magoseong unfold before your eyes. Magoseong, built by stacking densely packed stones, creates a sacred atmosphere in harmony with the pond's reflection. The rocks surrounding the pond are a prime spot where visitors are said to "capture a once-in-a-lifetime photo even if they snap it haphazardly." The view looking down from atop Magoseong is also spectacular. Along with the approximately 3,333 stone pagodas within Samseonggung Palace said to have been built by hand, about 1,500 stone pagodas are referred to here as "Wonnyeok Sotdae." Sotdae is a symbol of Sodo. It is said that the ancient Sodo is being restored by building these Wonnyeok Sotdae. Some observers remark that the pagodas are so sturdy, densely stacked, and substantial in scale that it is hard to believe they were built by humans. In response, it is stated, "Natural stone pagodas can never be built sturdily unless constructed directly by humans," adding, "Except for the foundation stones that serve as the base, they were built directly by Master Hanpul and his attendants." Located at the highest point, "Geongukjeon" is a shrine dedicated to the Three Sages—Hwanin, Hwanung, and Dangun—who are revered as the progenitors of the Baedal people. Jangseung (wooden totem poles) and statues of the Twelve Zodiac Animals stand there like guardian deities of the village. #Samseonggung #HadongSamseonggung #SamseonggungMagoseong #JirisanSamseonggung #SamseonggungHongdohwa #JirisanSamsinbong