The Heartfelt Story of the Heroine of Yangu
[Goesan Supporters]
A Heartfelt Tale of Loyalty Through Time: The Heroine Hall of Hoso in Yeonpung, Goesan
As you stroll through the serene village paths of Yeonpung, Goesan County, you will encounter a small historical space that quietly resonates in your heart. This is the 'Hoso Hall of the Heroine Lee Geun-cheop' nestled under the shade of a large zelkova tree next to the Haengchon Village Hall.
Stepping away from the busy daily life and wandering through the charming alleyways, this place left a profound echo beyond that of a mere historical site.
As you enter along Haengchon 1-gil alley, the first thing that catches your eye is the neatly tiled roof of the Haengchon Village Hall, guarded by the massive zelkova tree beside it. Upon examining the information plaque, I learned that this tree has been designated as a protected tree by Goesan County since 1982, boasting an impressive age of 180 years, a height of 14 meters, and a circumference of 4.5 meters. The lush greenery creates a large shade at the village entrance, refreshing the spirit just by looking at it.
Right beneath this grand zelkova tree is the 'Hoso Rest Area,' a wooden pavilion that serves as a resting spot for residents, accompanied by a plaque detailing the historical facts and the small, elegant 'Heroine Hall' topped with red tiles.
Reading the plaque next to the Heroine Hall revealed the poignant and touching story contained within this place. In 1836, Lee Geun-cheop of Yeonpung was wrongfully imprisoned due to slander. As her husband's imprisonment extended and the injustice grew, his wife, Lady Jo from Changnyeong, resolved to travel to Hanyang to plead for her husband's innocence. It was no easy task for a woman to undertake such a journey at that time. Eventually, she uncovered her husband's innocence and received news of his release, but tragically, he had already passed away due to the hardships of imprisonment. After retrieving his body and returning to their hometown of Yeonpung, she held a proper funeral for him and took her own life beside his grave, preserving her loyalty. Later, the villagers and the government built the Hoso Hall to honor her deep devotion and sorrowful spirit.
The Heroine Hall, viewed from the front, showcases the internal plaque clearly through the red lattice. Inside the wooden structure, which exudes a sense of history, is a plaque inscribed with 'The Wife of the Heroine Lee Geun-cheop, Lady Jo of Changnyeong,' along with a simple altar. Though not grand or ostentatious, the narrative and the poignant dedication of a woman linger in the air.
Sitting for a moment in the 'Hoso Rest Area' pavilion on the right side of the Heroine Hall, I felt the breeze. Lying on the wooden beams, I gazed at the sky peeking through the leaves of the 180-year-old zelkova tree, feeling the lives and sorrows of many who had once lived in Yeonpung pass by.
Leaving the Heroine Hall behind, I walked slowly along the alley of Haengchon Village. The rural landscape, with its distant ridges resembling a folding screen, red tiles, and low walls, offers a comfort and tranquility that cannot be found in bustling tourist spots.
If you plan to visit Goesan Yeonpung, I recommend stopping by 'Hoso Hall of the Heroine Lee Geun-cheop,' where the history and stories of the village breathe. Reflecting on the deep love and loyalty of a woman from history under the shade of the large zelkova tree will surely make for a meaningful and heartwarming journey.
Location: 4 Jungang-ro, Yeonpung-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Source :https://blog.naver.com/goesan-gun/224381985848
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