Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 17

Auspicious Cloud Pavilion

original: 祥雲亭 (Xiangyun Pavilion / Sang-un-jeong). Located in Gangwon Province original: 江原道 (Jiangyuan dao). A province on the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, famous for its scenic mountains and seascapes. along the seashore, there is a grove of tall pines stretching for over three miles original: 十里 (shi li). A traditional unit of distance; ten li is approximately 5 kilometers or 3 miles.. The lush, verdant canopy is so dense that when one looks up, the bright sun cannot be seen. No other variety of flora grows among these pines, save for azaleas original: 躑躅 (zhizhu). Specifically the Royal Azalea, which blooms vibrantly in the spring. in full bloom, as brilliant and colorful as red silk brocade.

Cluster Stone Pavilion

original: 叢石亭 (Congshi Pavilion / Chongsok-jeong). Located north of Tongju County in Gangwon Province, there are dozens of stone pillars approximately eighty or ninety feet high, standing independently within the sea. The stones are all six-sided original: 六稜 (liu leng). These are basalt columnar joints, a striking natural volcanic formation., appearing as if they were carved from jade. They are so perfectly straight and level that they seem to have been measured by a master builder’s plumb line original: 繩墨 (shengmo). A tool used by carpenters to ensure perfectly straight lines.. There are four such prominent pillars. The pavilion stands on the shore overlooking these "clustered stones," which gives it its name. According to local legend, four figures from the Silla Kingdom—Sullang, Namlang, Yeonglang, and Ansang—once traveled and enjoyed the view here; they are known as the Four Immortals original: 四仙 (Si xian). Famous aristocratic youths (Hwarang) from Korean history who became legendary for their refinement and travels..

Yeongnam Tower

original: 嶺南樓 (Lingnan Tower / Yeongnam-nu). Located in Miryang Prefecture in Gyeongsang Province original: 慶尚道 (Qingshang dao). The southeastern province of Korea., this tower is built on the mountainside east of the official guesthouse, leaning against the city walls. Three of its sides are open and spacious; climbing to the top provides a vast and unobstructed view. Below flows a great river, and beyond the river lies a vast plain. In the plain, chestnut forests are scattered as far as the eye can see. The river winds and meanders like a serpent over a great distance, appearing and disappearing among the deep woods. With the brilliance of a rainbow and the intricate detail of embroidery, this place is so beautiful it hardly seems to belong to the world of mortals. Its... The text ends mid-sentence on this page.