Why He Went to Mt Jongbang 

  One day in April 1973 the great leader Comrade Kim Jong Il went to Mt Jongbang with some officials.
When his party arrived at Nam Gate of the Jongbangsan Fort, he commented that the Korean ancestors had built a solid fort to be in good harmony with the rugged mountain, adding that the precious relic highlights the Korean ancestors’ skills and the features of their masonry, as well as their patriotic contribution to defending the country.
At the Songbul Temple he stressed the need to continue to study how to sustain the good qualities of the nation, based on a correct understanding of the importance of the work of preserving cultural heritage.
He went on to say that the cultural heritage is pivotal in inculcating patriotism in the coming generations and also in letting them understand the spirit and wisdom of the nation. Listening attentively, his entourage could see why he brought them with him there despite his heavy workload.
Then he was shown around several buildings of the temple, such as Chongphung Pavilion, Kungnak Hall and Ungjin Hall. Recounting the ancestors’ superb metal-processing techniques and architectural skills, he said that in terms of historical value, Ungjin Hall might be called the centerpiece of the temple. He noted that for its unique layout and architectural features of the Koryo period, the hall counts among the most precious of the nation’s architectural heritage.
He continued that though severely damaged during the Korean war, the Buddhist temple was restored to its original state according to President Kim Il Sung’s post-war order on the preservation of cultural heritage, reiterating the Party’s stand on the nation’s cultural heritage.
He added that the people should have a clear understanding of the nation’s time-honoured history and culture, noting that this was just the way to make them give full play to their patriotism without worshiping big powers.
His instructions served as a principle to be maintained in preserving the nation’s excellent traits.