Kim Han-jong, Jangseong County Governor, "Baekyangsa Tourism Revitalization... Cooperation with Jogye Order Needed"

Kim Han-jong, the governor of Jangseong County in Jeollanam-do, recently visited the Jogye Order Headquarters of Korean Buddhism located in Seoul.

During his meeting with Jinwoo Sunim, the head of the headquarters, Governor Kim said, “We will add dignity to Baekyangsa tourism and open the era of 10 million tourists in Jangseong,” and requested active cooperation from the Jogye Order for tourism revitalization, including establishing a maintenance plan for the area surrounding Baekyangsa.

Agreeing on the necessity of maintaining the area around Baekyangsa, Jinwoo Sunim responded, “Considering that Baekyangsa, a thousand-year-old temple, holds significant meaning within the Jogye Order, we will seek comprehensive support measures.”

Baekyangsa is a renowned site with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Visitors come year-round to enjoy Baegamsan Mountain, Aegidanfung (baby maple leaves), and Ssanggyeru Pavilion. It also houses numerous designated cultural assets, including the natural monument Gobulmae (ancient plum trees) and a forest of nutmeg yew trees.

Recently, healing tourism content has been gaining attention. The ‘Baekyangsa Temple Stay,’ where visitors stay at the tranquil temple and experience the daily lives of monks, helps people shed the burdens of everyday life and live a healthy life.

The ‘Jeonggwan Sunim Temple Food Experience’ is also noteworthy. Various temple foods made from ingredients cultivated in Jangseong’s pristine environment have attracted global attention, especially as public interest in health has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jangseong County has gained attention by offering Baekyangsa Temple Stay discount coupons and Jeonggwan Sunim Temple Food experience vouchers as thank-you gifts for the hometown love donation program implemented this year.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jo Han-gyu bless4ya@asiae.co.kr