A panoramic view of Beombawi Observatory in Bonghwa, overlooking the Nakdong River. [North Gyeongsang Province Cultural Tourism Corporation]
A panoramic view of Beombawi Observatory in Bonghwa, overlooking the Nakdong River. [North Gyeongsang Province Cultural Tourism Corporation]

The North Gyeongsang Province Cultural Tourism Corporation has published the September issue of its "Gyeongbuk Travel MVTI" series, themed "Beyond the Scenery, Walking Through Old Stories" — a guide tracing colorful tales of the past etched into mountain paths, alleyways, ancient steles and bridges.

The September issue begins by following traces of filial piety and family love across the ages.

Featured destinations include the Hyoja Jeong Jae-su Memorial Hall in Sangju, which honors a young boy who lost his life in a fierce blizzard in 1974 while trying to save his father, and the birthplace of Do Si-bok and its filial piety park in Yecheon, where legend holds that a devoted son procured watermelon and persimmon for his ailing parents in the dead of winter.

At Oknyeobong Peak in Jungmyeong Ecological Park in Pohang, visitors can follow the footsteps of Oknyeo — said to have climbed the mountain in search of medicinal herbs for her sick mother — while taking in sweeping views of the Hyeongsan River and Yeongil Bay.

The Sonsiyang Hyoja Jeongnyeobi stele, tucked along Hwangnidan-gil in Gyeongju, tells the story of a Goryeo-era man who spent six years keeping vigil at his parents' grave more than 800 years ago, offering modern visitors a chance to reflect on the fading meaning of family bonds.

The guide also visits sites where love and history continue to resonate across the centuries. Woryeonggyo Bridge in Andong was built in tribute to a heartbreaking hangul letter written by "Woni's Mother" more than 400 years ago — a woman who sent her husband off to his death and wove a pair of hemp sandals from her own hair, a story of love that transcends time.

At Park Seo-saeng Youth Tongsinsa Park in Uiseong, visitors can reflect on the vision and pioneering spirit of Yuljeong Park Seo-saeng, who traveled to Japan in 1428 as Joseon's first diplomatic envoy and returned with the idea of introducing water wheels to drive agricultural innovation — all set against the broad scenery along the Nakdong River.

Mysterious legends and strange rumors passed down through generations add a distinctive thrill to the journey.

Beombawi Observatory, situated along National Route 35 in Myeongho-myeon, Bonghwa, is tied to the legend of a "seonbi," or traditional scholar, who reportedly caught a tiger with his bare hands while bowing at his ancestor's grave. From the observatory, visitors can take in a panorama of the Nakdong River winding below and ridge upon ridge of mountains stretching into the distance.

Near Jangsa Beach in Yeongdeok, the so-called haunted house in Namjeong-myeon has long been the subject of ghost sightings and unexplained noises — a blend of fact and rumor that has kept locals and visitors talking for years.

"The old stories woven into the scenery are an excellent guide that adds real depth to travel," said Kim Nam-il, president of the North Gyeongsang Province Cultural Tourism Corporation. "This September, we hope visitors will go beyond sightseeing and set out to discover the hidden stories that make North Gyeongsang Province a truly three-dimensional destination."


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com