| Naegeumgang, the Inner Diamond Mountains |
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The Inner Diamonds indeed contain a rich stock of
natural and cultural treasures. As ridges of Briobong and Yeongnangdong Peaks,
and Baegundae Cliff run down to the west, they from many
valleys,brooks,waterfall, and pools including famaus Manpokdong Valley and
Myeonggyeongdae Cliff. Pyohunsa is the last surviving among the four great
temples in Geumgangsan after the Korean War (1950~1953), and ,today,has become a
stopover point to rest and view the gorgeous settings. The relief of a standing
Buddhist triad,carved on a rock face near Pyohunsa, displays the outstanding
stone sculpture typical to the Goryeo period(918~1392). Myogilsang is another
conspicuous relief of Buddha carved on a 40-meter cliff. In the olden days,
traveling Geumganasan meant traveling the Naegeumgang area, but at the moment it
is closed to tourists.
• Manpokdong
Valley
Heading to the upper reaches of the Donggeumgangcheon River,
travelers will encounter Myeongyeondam Pool, which is known for the water sound
like someone is crying. Continually in view from the path is Pyohunsa Temple.
Beginning at the Geumgangmun Gate, Manpokdong Valley puts on a never-ending
seasonal display, with flower-laden spring, lush trees and crystalline streams
in summer, burning autumnal tints, and winter’s silver snowscape. Here is
Paldam, the Eight pools, each located about 1.6 kilometers apart. One of them,
Bunseoldam , is overlooked by Bodeogam Hermitage.
• Bodeogam
Hermitage
Above Bunseoldam in Manpokdong Valley is
cliff-hanging Bodeogam Hermitage. Known to have been built by the great priest
Bodeok during the Goguryeo Kingdom (37BC ~AD 668), the present structure was
rebuilt in 1675. It appears to be three-storied but is actually a single story,
measuring 3.35 wide across the front and 0.85 meters deep on the lowermost
sides. 0.85 meters .A single 7.3-meter copper pole propped into the middle of
20-meter tall rock wall is the only support for this tiny, exquisite hermitage.
It has been standing for hundreds of years, a testimony to ancient architectural
skill and aesthetics. From a distance, the hermitage resembles a crane about to
take flight. Off the trail beyond Paldam , the Eight Pools, are Mahayeonam
Hermitage and Myogilsang, a Rock-cut Relief of Buddha.
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Demographics
