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People Wish for Good Luck at the "Wish Tower"

As the college entrance examination quickly approaches, parents of Korean 12th graders, are as nervous as their kids. Every year, they pray for good luck in their own unique ways.

This year, parents and students are flocking to the "Wish Tower" in Kwanghanru, North Cholla Province, the backdrop of the famous Korean classic, "Chunhyangjun." As many as 700 students and parents are visiting the "Wish Tower" every week, hoping that their prayers lead to success on the examination.

This "Wish Tower" is the place where Chunhyang's mother prayed for her son-in-law's success on the government official's examination in the story. It was the locals in Namwon City who came up with the idea of reproducing the "Wish Tower." The city piled up small stones and created a tower, where people can pray for good luck. In front of the tower, they also placed a large rock on which people can put their water bowls, and pray to the gods in a traditional Korean way. A 100-year-old zelcova tree next to it helps create an ancient, fairy tale-like atmosphere.

"I come here often to pray for my daughter who will take the entrance exam soon. I hope my daugher gets good scores on it just like Chunhyang's husband in the story," said 48-year-old Park Ok-rye on Sept. 18.

by Jang Dae-seok