{
  "id": 8845788,
  "title": "Off the beaten path",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/off-the-beaten-path-8845788",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T05:12:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/20260921/off-the-beaten-path"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For those who relish exploring Korea's countryside beyond the well-trodden tourist routes, a recent journey to the recently established city of Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City offered a delightful experience. Venturing from the bustling urban centers, one can traverse to Boseong County, nestled within a serene canyon, a few kilometers up a winding road lined with cherry blossoms.\n\nDaewon Temple, one of Korea's most ancient Buddhist temples, is located within this tranquil setting. Established in 503 CE, during the reign of King Muryeong, it was initially founded by the esteemed Buddhist missionary, the Venerable Ado. Throughout the Unified Silla period, Daewon Temple stood as one of the eight principal temples of the Nirvana Order.\n\nHowever, the temple's history took a tragic turn following Korea's liberation in 1945. In the aftermath of the Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion, most of the temple's buildings were reduced to ashes. Today, only the Hall of Pure Land remains standing as a testament to the temple's rich past. Since 1990, a restoration committee has been tirelessly working towards rebuilding Daewon Temple, including the construction of monk accommodations, multiple shrines, and the entrance gates. The temple grounds continue to offer a serene retreat for those seeking to delve deeper into Korea's spiritual heritage.",
  "summary": "Exploring the backroads and backwoods of Korea’s glorious countryside is one of my passions. While the major attractions are worth visiting, getting off the beaten path brings unique rewards. On my recent visit to Korea’s newest city, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City, in the southwest of the peninsula, I ventured from the populated area to Boseong County. Tucked away in a cozy canyon, many kilometers…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Off the beaten path",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/off-the-beaten-path",
        "published": "2026-09-21T04:42:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}