Shindalja Literary Museum: A Space for Poetry and Reflection

Original source: blog.naver.com

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The Shindalja Literary Museum preserves and inherits the literary world of poet Shindalja, while also serving as an open cultural space where residents and visitors can share comfort and inspiration through literature. It is a place where the literary and cultural aspects of Geochang can grow together.

Recently, we had the honor of hosting poet Do Jong-hwan, who shared his insights on poetry with the theme, 'I must go to tranquility, for there lies poetry.'

On a beautiful autumn afternoon, the sky was stunning, and the chrysanthemums greeted us warmly.

Do Jong-hwan's Biography:

Education: Ph.D. in Literature from Chungnam National University

Debut: 1984, published in the literary magazine 'Godu-mi Village'

Awards: 2021, 23rd Baekbong Literary Award; 2010, 5th Yoon Dong-ju Literature Award

Experience: Member of the 21st National Assembly (Chungbuk Cheongju Heungdeok-gu, Democratic Party) from May 2020 to May 2024; Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism from June 2017 to April 2019.

Today, I met poet Do Jong-hwan for the first time. I sat with excitement, eager to hear what he would share.

He began his lecture with the question of how poetry came to him. He reflected on how, as a child, he would ponder seasonal greetings in letters, naturally observing nature, which marked the beginning of his poetic journey.

The life of a poet isn't easy. They express their pain through beautiful language.

In his poem 'Lilac', he contemplates the presence of the lilac:

'Why is the lilac there? In April, it is called upon urgently, and it is there. Why are you there?'

Our minds are exposed daily to the language of information, efficiency, and results, which can make us rougher. However, songs, poetry, and art gently polish that rough surface.

Are we merely here by chance? Just as the beauty of flowers matters more than where they bloom, I should strive to blossom beautifully in my own place.

I hope to find tranquility in the light within me.

As I leave the Shindalja Literary Museum, I carry this tranquility in my heart.

Address: 88-19 Daeya-gil, Namhae-myeon, Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (8 minutes from Geochang IC)

Visiting hours: 09:00 - 18:00 (Lunch break 12:00 - 13:00), closed on Wednesdays and public holidays.