DAEGWANLLYEONG

This pass, some twenty kilometers above Gangneung, is a sacred place for the town's inhabitants. It is home to the Guksaseonangdang (Seonghwangdang), the altar dedicated to the Beomil guksa monk, also revered as Seonangsin, who protects the valley. This is where he is honoured before being invited to take part in the Dan-o festival. This shamanistic ceremony(sansinje) takes place around April 15 and is the first of the festival. The valley is also home to grazing sheep. A 45-minute walk takes you past these pastures.