Seryang-Je and Old Neolit-Je Paths
It's really much more beautiful in another season than summer but still, this place holds its own mysterious vibe and name along with its breath-taking views. We introduce two travel spots in Hwasun.
Serayang-Je, A Mystical Peacefulness
Serayang-Je is located at the Hwasun County of Jeolla-Namdo, a reservoir built in 1969. It's a very unusual name but 'Serayang-Je' simply means, a pond located at Serayang-Li. Chosen as one of the 50 beautiful places in Korea to visit, this reservoir is most pretty in the spring. The mist upon the pond and the pastel-shades of cherry blossoms harmonize a mesmerizing scene in dawn. The floating water-mist vanishes as soon as the sun comes up, so be there on time to capture the streams of sunlight peaking through the mist right before sunrise, the insanely gorgeous scene of nature you have to experience. Serayang-Je in autumn is also very beautiful but spring is when it's at its best.
Old Neolit-Je Paths, Cherishing Timeless Memories.
On the borderlines between Gwangju and Hwasun you can see the Neolit-Je tunnel. Neolit-Je used to be a rough hill to climb but now the tunnel allows you to pass through within minutes. Before the tunnel was constructed a bus used to take passengers over the curvy and bumpy ride. Traffic can be under control in the winter when the roads freeze up.
Behind the new Neolit-Je paths and tunnel, is the old Neolit-Je paths that people may be forgetting. But it's a treat for those who love taking walks and hiking. As you walk along the path that's barely wide enough for a car to go through, you meet the borderline of Gwangju and Hwasun at the top of the hill. This path is beautiful in spring with cherry blossoms everywhere, a favorite to bikers who love to intake all of nature's picturesque views.
Around the 300 year old tree is a little resting spot. Here you can enjoy the full view of Hwasun. Underneath the old tree is a tale of the old Neolit-Je path, it goes like this.
"...This path holds the history and bitterness of life the Hwasun people had to live until the Neolit-Je tunnel was built in 1971. According to old folk tales, people who had to hike up the old Neolit-Je path would often be killed or come down being carried on a cot, it looked like they were coming down 'Neolit, neolit' like the name of the paths."
It's a pretty scary tale, but a deep story. These old paths have more historical moments too, another reason to appreciate the old paths with its beautiful scenery.
INFORMATION
Serayang-Je
Location: Jeolla-Namdo Hwasun-Gun Hwasun-Eub Serayang-Li 250
Neolit-Je Tunnel
Location: eolla-Namdo Hwasun-Gun Hwasun-Eub E-shibGok-Li
Translated by_Gen_E