Namwon
Namwon ( Namwon -si ) is a city in the province of Jeollabuk -do, South Korea.
The city's official symbols next to one of the swallow ( 제비 ) and the flowering of the Royal azalea (Rhododendron schlippenbachii, 철쭉 ) and the Kräuselmyrte ( 배롱 나무 ).
As a place where the famous Korean love story of Chunhyang took place, Namwon is also regarded as the "City of Love".
History
Namwon was in the year 685 AD. , During the reign of King Sinmuns, in the kingdom of Silla was founded.
During the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598) it came in 1597 to the siege of the city by the Japanese. The only defense against the 56,000 -strong Japanese army siege were 3,300 Korean and Chinese soldiers, and 6,000 women and children. After a short siege ( August 13 to 16 ), all surviving defenders have been killed by the Japanese.
Geography
Namwon is the most south-eastern city of Jeollabuk -do. It lies close to the border with the provinces of Jeollanam -do and Gyeongsangnam-do in the south in the east. The town lies in a valley surrounded by Noryang Mountains in the northwest and the Sobaek massif in the east. The western slopes of Jiri -san National Park, the largest surface area in rural National Park on the (South ) Korean mainland, extending right up to the eastern border of the city. To the east of the city, yet within the city limits, the river attracts Yocheon.
Namwon borders the counties Imsil and Sunchang in the West, Jangsu in the North, to the South Gyeongsang Province with the districts Hamyang and Hadong in the east and to the districts Gurye and Gokseong in the province of Jeollanam -do in the south.
The city is located by bus about 1 hour from the provincial capital of Jeonju and Gwangju city and about 4 hours from Seoul.
Climate
The average annual temperature is 12.3 ° C, the average temperature is -1.4 ° C and in August 25.2 ° C in January. Due to its geographical location in a valley surrounded by mountains, with high rainfall in July and August, Namwon strong climate variability is seen over the years exposed. The wind speed is usually low. January temperatures can fall below -10 ° C and reach over 35 ° C in July and August. The temperatures in the spring months of April and May and the autumn months of September and October amounted to around 25 ° C with relatively low humidity.
Culture
Chunhyang Festival ( 춘향제 )
The five-day festival held annually in spring in memory of a Korean folk tale - the love story of Chunhyang - instead. The story is about a love in adverse social circumstances and is considered the Romeo and Juliet of Korea.
It is about the love between a derived from a humble girl, Seong Chun- hyang, and a boy of noble descent, Yi Mong- nyong. The two consummate their marriage secretly, but the youth must follow a short time later to Seoul and leave behind his great love of his father. Then take the arbitrary and cruel Governor of Namwon this as his concubine. Despite the many abuses committed by him she does not submit to him. It so happens that Yi Mong- nyong ascends to the governor of the Jeolla Province and learns of the fate Seong Chun- hyang 's. When he hears what his love was done, he punished the governor, Seong Chun- hyang does now officially to his wife and returns with her to Seoul.
The festival commemorates Seong Chun- hyang as unbending and virtuous woman. In 2012 the festival was held for the 82nd time - it is one of the oldest in Korea cultural festival of modern times.
During the festival the waterfront of Yocheon River is lined with merchants and the main bridge festive lights. It will take place performances, parades, Pansori singing and archers competitions and a beauty contest. Every evening is also held fireworks.
Attractions
- Manbok - Saji - temple complex, built 1046-1083 AD. during the reign of King Munjong of Goryeo
- Gwanghallu Garden, a traditional garden, symbolizing the universe ( commonly associated with the love story of Chunhyang in conjunction )
- Chunhyang shrine in memory of Chunhyang
- River Yocheon
- Silsang - Sa Temple, a Buddhist temple
- Jiri -san National Park