In early February, we posted the question "Which mountains are in the capital city of Pyongyang?" on the section "Quiz Show".
①Mt. Kuwol ②Mt. Ryongak ③Mt. Songak ④Mt. Taesong ⑤Mt. Kumgang ⑥Mt. Jongbang
⑦Moran Hill ⑧Munsu Hill ⑨Mt. Myohyang ⑩Mt. Chilbo
This is a multiple-choice question, and we let you choose correct numbers.
Here is the answer to the question.
Mt. Ryongak, Mt. Taesong, Moran Hill and Munsu Hill are in Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Mt. Ryongak, which is 292 metres above the sea level, is standing in Mangyongdae District of Pyongyang.
Its peak looks like a dragon ready to fly into the sky and hence the name.
According to a
legend, a "dragon" flying into the sky was fascinated by
the scenery of the mountain and turned into a rock. The legend is told along with Mt. Ryongak.
There are historic relics such as Pobun Hermitage and Ryonggok School in Mt. Ryongak.
Pobun Hermitage located against the steep cliff was built during the Koguryo Dynasty (the first feudal state of Korea which existed between 277 B.C. and A.D. 668), which is an old Buddhist temple rebuilt during the feudal Joson dynasty (the last feudal state in Korean history which existed between 1392 and 1910). The Ryonggok School was a private educational institution to educate rising generations during the feudal Joson dynasty.
There are many living monuments including Ryongaksan Ginkgo, Ryongaksan Zelkova, Ryongaksan Pagoda Tree and Ryongaksan Red Oak in the mountain.
Mt. Taesong is about 6 kilometres northeast of the downtown Pyongyang.
It is 270 metres above the sea level. It is a long celebrated mountain in the history of Pyongyang. It is called Mt. Taesong since a great wall was built there to repulse foreign invasion during the Koguryo Dynasty.
Six peaks including Kuksa and Somun peaks are standing abreast like a folding screen.
Mt. Taesong always looks green early spring and late autumn because it is covered with evergreen pine trees. So its scenery was unusually beautiful, which was counted as one of the "Eight Famous Scenes of Pyongyang" from olden times.
There are many historic relics dating back to the Koguryo Dynasty such as the Taesongsan Fort built between the third and fifth centuries, over 20 wall gate sites, pond sites, small reservoirs, the site of food storehouse, the site of the Anhak Royal Palace and ancient tombs. And the rampart of Somun Peak, pavilion on Jangsu Peak, South Gate and Kwangbop Temple are preserved as they are.
Moran Hill is a famous scenic spot from olden times.
Its peaks resemble a blooming peony and hence the name.
Moran Hill has many relics boasting of long history and culture.
Preserved are relics belonging to the Koguryo Dynasty such as Ulmil Pavilion, Choesung Pavilion, Chilsong Gate, Chongnyu Pavilion, Pubyok Pavilion, Jongum Gate, Hyonmu Gate and Tongam Gate.
There are also living monuments such as Chongnyubyok Pagoda Tree and fossil Moranbong Pagoda Tree.
Munsu Hill is in Taedonggang District of Pyongyang.
It is called so because it is as beautiful as embroidered silk.
It is not high, but it stands on a plain. So it can overlook the surroundings with beautiful scenery.
Mt. Ryongak, Mt. Taesong, Moran Hill and Munsu Hill are the cultural recreation resorts frequented by the Korean people.
Paula Maria Arzola Carmona of Spain, Hao Guixiang and Cao Yifu of China, and Chris Malboeuf of Canada gave very correct answers to the question.
Congratulations!
And we express thanks to other participants in the quiz show for their sincere efforts.
A new question will be presented in early March.
We hope for the participation of many audience in our quiz show. Thank you.