Those who wish for an early start to the New Year could go instead to Homigot in Pohang as 2010 is the Year of the Tiger according to the Chinese calendar. Homigot is dubbed the “Tiger’s Tail” as it’s located at the tip of the Korean Peninsula which has been compared to a tiger standing on its hind legs. Pohang’s also celebrating its 60th anniversary as a municipal city and a special steel sculpture in the form of a tiger will be revealed at midnight on 31 December, 2009.
If I were in Korea on 31 December 2009, I’d like to find my way to on top of Mount Geumo near Yeosu to the place where Hyangilam stood until very recently when it was a victim of a fire. Sadly, Hyangilam (“the temple facing the sun” directly translated ) no longer exists as one of the top four meditation sites in the country.
Why go to a place which is probably still reeking of ashes? If you’re the kind who prefers a little more solitude than noisy merriment, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t have any crowds to contend with up on Geumosan, for starters. Second, the many camellia bushes should still be there, as would the great views of the South Sea. Finally and above all, I can’t think of a better place symbolically to let go of past griefs and pray for healing and restoration in the new year.
So if you are an experienced hiker with a strong pair of legs and a strong heart, and are not deterred by the recent tragedy, you can expect to greet the sun at 7:36 am there. Just don’t forget to send me some photos of the place and say a little prayer for all of us. Thanks in advance and a Happy New Year to you!
source:
http://festival.ipohang.org
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/10/203_36737.html
