The 15/30 Pond

Today's chosen picture.

I have this fantastic idea. Every fortnight I will post a picture of the exact same place in Buyeo so that you can see how the weather and the seasons change the scenery here. The spot I have chosen is Gungnamji Pond. I have chosen it for two reasons, the first being that I love it, it is one of my favourite places in Buyeo. I love to just walk around it and sit on the benches and be. I take all my guests there, my sister has been there, so has my mum and all my friends who visit from other towns (I'll take you if you come visit me). The second is because it has historical significance in Korea and it's a mix of culture and nature that I think expresses a harmony in Korea that I really enjoy.

An aerial view of Gungnamji Pond and surrounding lotus ponds, I don't know how old the picture is. 

The historical and cultural significance of the pond is that it is closely linked to one of the kings of the Beakje dynasty. Legend has it that is was both built by King Mu and it is the mythical birth place of King Mu. Korean history is full of these inconsistencies for three reasons; the Japanese stole, burnt or denied them access to a lot of their books and relics, myth and actual history are heavily intertwined in their culture and it's really hard to translate ideas and phrases to English. Even so, the story of King Mu is one of my favourite love stories of Buyeo. I love every part of the story, especially that Mu was fathered by a dragon that lives in the lake (you know how much I love dragons). Koreans are also proud of the lake because of the technology that must have been used to build it in 634 AD, I too am impressed. There is an English board with the story of King Mu as well as some information of the importance of the lake at the site, below I have placed a picture of the Kings story. 

The story of King Mu and his princess

Gungnamji translates to 'Pond in the south of the kings palace'. The word pond does not refer solely to the lake-like thing in the picture but also a series of lotus ponds that surround the lake. There is an annual lotus festival in Buyeo and the main event is held at this site.

I also found that there are lots of images of Gungnamji pond on the web, I am not the only one to have fallen in love with its spirit, I hope you will too. I have decided to post the picture every two weeks because it is often enough for the weather to change significantly but not so often that you will miss anything. If you think I should do it more or less often, please let me know.

By the way, I'm updating my blog from my favourite Buyeo coffee shop today:

Wishing you the best, pray that you are blessed with success, no stress and lots of happiness.

Destiny's child and Bashti Teacher