calendar>>January 8. 2010 Juch 99
Historic Relics in Mt. Myohyang
Pyongyang, January 8 (KCNA) -- Mt. Myohyang, one of the six famous mountains in Korea, abounds with historic relics.

Among the relics are three large gates, namely Jogye, Haethal and Chonwang, leading to the main hall of the Pohyon Temple.

Jogye Gate, built in the last period of Koryo (918-1392) and rebuilt in 1644, is 7.3 meters wide in facade and 3.8 meters wide in flank, with a gateway in the middle.

Standing on both sides of the gateway are gate-keepers of the temple, idols called Kumgang God.

After the gate, there is a road flanked with several stone monuments telling the history of the temple.

Haethal Gate was built in the late Koryo period and reconstructed in 1644.

It, larger than Jogye Gate, is 9.2 meters wide in facade and 5.6 meters wide in flank. It also has a gateway in the middle.

Seen on both sides of the gateway are idols riding on a lion and an elephant.

Erected in 1042, Chonwang Gate is 14.17 meters wide in facade and 9.4 meters wide in flank, with a gateway in the middle part.

There are idols of four heavenly kings defending the Buddhist world on the right and left sides of the gateway.

The relics reflecting the wisdom and talent of the Korean nation have been preserved well as priceless cultural assets of the country.

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