Exploring Wonmeori: A Hidden Gem in Dangjin
As you stroll through the tranquil fields of Sinpyeong-myeon in Dangjin, you will encounter a small sanctuary known as Wonmeori. Although it lacks extravagant facilities, it is an excellent place to walk and chat, making it surprisingly suitable for a historical outing with children.
Even without a religious background, walking slowly while listening to the village's old stories will naturally reveal how the Dangjin area was formed.
During my recent visit, I discovered a newly created sign and took some commemorative photos. If you plan to visit, I hope you take the time to learn about the origin of the name.
'Wonmeori' is a transformed name from 'Eonmeori,' which referred to the beginning of the embankment created during land reclamation efforts to convert tidal flats into rice paddies. Today, various residents live here, and it has been reborn as a space for prayers.
This village used to be a coastal area where seawater flowed in and out. However, after many years of land reclamation, it has transformed into a village situated in the middle of expansive plains.
Historically, it is said that during high tide, the area would be surrounded by water, making it appear like an island. The fact that this place was once a sea is astonishing, even as you walk on solid ground.
Wonmeori is a historic village where a faith community began to form in the late 18th century when Catholicism was first introduced to Korea.
Thanks to its isolated geography, surrounded by seawater, it was a safe haven for persecuted believers, who survived by making salt and pottery.
This small community demonstrated a new value in society at that time by sharing with the poor, regardless of social status or gender differences.
I hold a small candle in my hand, which serves as a tool for someone to offer a heartfelt wish to the heavens. I light the candle and take a moment to wish for my dreams to come true in 2026.
Within the sanctuary, there are the graves and memorials of Park Seon-jin and Park Tae-jin, who passed away in 1868 while defending their faith. The graves were moved once but have since returned to their original location.
Rather than explaining the heavy and difficult historical facts to children, simply learning that 'there were people who lived by their beliefs' is reason enough to visit this place.
While Wonmeori Sanctuary doesn't have grand facilities, it holds stories of how the land has changed and the people who upheld their beliefs.
Walking here, alongside Solmoe Sanctuary, where Father Kim Dae-geon was born, and Hapdeok Church, you can feel why Dangjin is referred to as 'the number one pilgrimage site.'
Although the space is small, taking a leisurely walk around allows you to empathize with the existence of the unknown world that the neighborhood relied on in the past and present.
Situated among wide fields with few cars and featuring a pavilion, I hope you create many fun memories here. Thank you for enjoying your visit to Dangjin today.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224332943880
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