Experience Programs at Dangjin City
Dangjin City is operating experience programs as part of the National Heritage Administration's public offering project.
The programs utilize local national heritage and are held at Myeoncheon Fortress and the Catholic pilgrimage site.
On Children's Day, a 360-degree tour of Myeoncheon Fortress was conducted, and from July 5 to October, the 'Breath of the Pilgrimage: Journey of Remembrance' program will take place.
This program includes three activities: a one-day class, mission experiences, and trekking, each held four times.
I participated in the one-day class titled 'Memorable Sacred Objects: A Special Day.'
The 'Breath of the Pilgrimage: Journey of Remembrance' allows participants to explore the historical sites related to St. Andrew Kim Taegon, including the Solmoe Village, the birthplace of Kim Taegon, and the historical sites of the Catholic Church.
The one-day class 'Memorable Sacred Objects: A Special Day' will take place on July 5 and October 17.
The mission experience 'Find the Hidden Kim Taegon on the Sacred Road' is scheduled for September 17, October 13, and October 14.
Trekking experiences will be held on September 19 and October 31 for a day trip, and a two-day, one-night journey from July 25 to July 26.
The programs are free, although some activities may have fees.
Registration for the programs can be done through the Mi-dam Cultural Content Research Institute.
I registered in advance through the KakaoTalk friend channel and participated in the first session of the one-day class.
Upon arrival at Solmoe Shrine, the weather was rainy, but I managed to explore the cathedral and art museum before heading to the event site.
A tent for the 'Living National Heritage' program was set up in one corner of the Solmoe Shrine square.
The 'Memorable Sacred Objects: A Special Day' program consists of two parts: a guided tour with a cultural tourism interpreter and an experiential program.
The total program duration was two hours. After the participants finished their experiences, the activities continued for general visitors to Solmoe Shrine.
The participants began the tour with a cultural tourism interpreter, mostly families with children. Starting from the birthplace of Fr. Kim Taegon, they visited the Way of the Cross and the Solmoe Daejeon Archdiocese History Museum.
Fr. Kim Taegon was born in 1821 and lived in his birthplace until the age of seven. At 15, he became a seminarian and walked to Macau in a raincoat, ultimately becoming a martyr at the young age of 25 in 1846.
Despite having visited several times, the detailed explanations by the cultural tourism interpreter provided deeper insights.
The tour not only covered the life of Fr. Kim Taegon but also the history of Catholicism in Korea at that time.
As the tour continued, the rain intensified, yet everyone remained focused on the journey of Catholic remembrance.
The 'Living National Heritage' program goes beyond mere observation, allowing participants to discover the value and meaning of national heritage through diverse experiences such as exploration and performances.
The guided tour with the cultural tourism interpreter offered a deeper understanding beyond the basic concepts of Korea's first priest and Catholic pilgrimage sites.
Following the Way of the Cross, the history of Korean Catholicism was subtly connected to the life of Jesus.
The surrounding pine forest, which gave Solmoe Shrine its name, was also beautiful.
Visitors can enjoy the birthplace, cathedral, outdoor chapel, and the Way of the Cross leading through the pine forest at Solmoe Shrine.
The Solmoe Daejeon Archdiocese History Museum provides a more detailed account of Fr. Kim Taegon's journey to Macau.
During the persecution, many family members, including his grandfather, uncle, and father, embraced the Catholic faith early on, facing suffering and martyrdom.
The history museum also features letters written by the first priest of Joseon, reflecting the knowledge and culture of the time, as well as records of the martyrs who suffered during the persecution.
I encountered a map of Joseon created by Fr. Kim Taegon, which was made 16 years before Kim Jeong-ho's Daedongyeojido.
After an hour of the shrine tour, the second part of the experience began, focusing on a 'Happy Day at Solmoe Shrine.'
Reflecting on what I embarked on my journey for, I considered the sacrifices I made for others, such as care and love, across five themes.
In a short time, many thoughts crossed my mind, and we shared our reflections and resolutions.
Organizing my thoughts into writing and presenting them helped clarify how I want to live moving forward.
Finally, we created fragrant sachets using pre-prepared materials.
Thus, the two-hour experience concluded.
The 'Breath of the Pilgrimage: Journey of Remembrance' at Solmoe Shrine connected me with Fr. Kim Taegon through the tour and experience.
Through the sacrifices, faith, and meaning of religion embodied in the lives of saints, I reflected on my own life.
It was a far more meaningful time than I expected.
The 'Journey of Remembrance' at Solmoe Shrine will continue until October, so those interested are encouraged to register in advance.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224360268922
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