깊은 산속 작은 글자 [크리틱]

Late summer with no green. As we crossed into Gyeonggi-do from Gangwon-do, the mountains in Gangwon-do grew wider and deeper. To me, Gangwon-do is a land of depth. Mount Seorak boasted mighty furrows of evergreen. While city streets and trees lined Seoul were mostly single-layered, these trees in Gangwon-do layered upon themselves, a characteristic of the natural world.

As I peered deep into the foliage, sunlight filtered through overlapping leaves, creating a beautiful dance of light. The sensation of vast, empty space that we walked in felt expansive; yet, the sensation of overlapping, interwoven foliage felt deep. Expansive felt geometric, while depth seemed to form from the repetitive, small overlapping elements.

Time and patience shaped this sensibility, subtle textures and the stories they held. The personality of Seorak was forged through such qualities, and it was revered in Silla Dynasty times. It housed the relics of Buddhism, where Buddha Shakyamuni walked. Within these mountains, records of the Joseon Dynasty—the king’s court records and genealogies—were also preserved.

As we contemplated the world beyond our daily lives, we encountered these tiny characters etched onto the paper. Made of thin, sturdy paper, sealed with threads and metal, these records required careful protection. Sometimes, they were kept in wooden chests or bound in large volumes. The books were then placed in larger boxes, all covered in a protective layer of oil paper.

The records were finally stored in bookcases that resembled cupboards. However, these protective arrangements had grown to monumental proportions. It seemed like a large house dedicated solely to the books. As people could inhabit such a space, the two houses of the royal records and scriptures formed ‘Odaesan Pagoda’. These houses were surrounded by walls, guarded by officials, monks, and the many hands of Gangwon-do.

It was this natural fortress of Seorak that shielded the country’s documents. The Buddha’s relics within this mountain were also precious, safeguarded by the same depth and care. In this secluded, deep-green mountain, one contemplated eternity in the face of the constantly changing world. The assurance that something eternal endures amidst such flux is a comforting thought. It is a belief that we, along with the nation and our faith, are connected for an eternity.