Seoul Hike: The Historic Trail

08/12/2024

A humble dol-tap (cairn; 돌탑) in the countryside mountains. Dol-tap are found all over Korea, especially in mountainous areas. They serve many functions for folk customs, including the inviting of good fortune. Dol-tap found along mountain paths can serve as trail markers. The charming, rugged towers also invite hikers and travellers to add stones to them, after which a prayer is whispered to local deities to allow safe passage. Dol-tap are similar to cairns found in customs all over the world, another example of how folk traditions connect us across cultures.

25/11/2024

Always new friends to make on the trail.

24/11/2024

This mountain grotto enshrines a statue of Indian Buddhist monk Master Seungga, allegedly carved in 1024. Seungga’s teachings were brought to Korea during the Shilla Dynasty and reverence for him continued throughout the Goryeo dynasty. Seungga, who was believed to be an incarnation of Gwan-eum (Avalokitesvara), a bodhisattva of compassion, was believed to have curative powers. Korean folktales about monks with such mystical abilities are called go-seung (고승/고승전설).

Today, folk belief persists that Seungga’s powers remain, with some people visiting this cave seeking health and well-being. This is an example of the deep culture that permeates Korean mountains.

The statue is registered Treasure no. 1000 under the offical title Seated Stone Statue of Buddhist Master Monk Seungga (석조승가대사좌상).

10/11/2024

At Wontong-sa (원통사), a mountain temple said to date back to the late 9th century. The grounds were allegedly established for a temple by Doseon Guksa (도선국사), a great monk who founded the local interpretation of feng shui called pungsu-jiri. Legend says Taejo, the first king of the Joseon Kingdom, came to these temple grounds in the early 1390s to pray. Taejo dreamt that he met Okhwang-sangjae (옥황상제/Jade Emperor), after which the king made carvings in stone on the temple grounds to honour the heavenly emperor.

28/11/2023

Forbes included The Seoul Hike in their Holiday Gift Guide. Check it out.

If you're looking for a perfect gift for someone who's obsessed with Korea this holiday season, let this gift guide of curated Korean experiences and items lead the way.