Winter at Myeoncheon: Goljeongji, Gunja Pavilion, and Myeoncheon Hyanggyo
As winter arrives, I traveled to Myeoncheon, where there are many places to explore. It's a great idea to take a tour around the cultural heritage in Myeoncheon. Although the day was somewhat cloudy, it wasn't too cold, making it pleasant for travel.
The first stop in Myeoncheon was Myeoncheon Hyanggyo, located above Goljeongji. Hyanggyo served as a government-run educational institution during the Joseon Dynasty, teaching local students.
While the doors of Myeoncheon Hyanggyo were locked, the low walls allowed me to peek inside. It is said that Myeoncheon Hyanggyo was established in the first year of King Taejo's reign (1392), although the exact date is uncertain. In front of the hyanggyo stands a stone monument, with a ceremonial gate beside it.
The layout includes the main hall, Myeongnyundang, student dormitories (Dongjae and Seojae), and the worship hall, Daeseongjeon, along with Dongmu and Seomu at the back.
In 1966, Daeseongjeon and Dongjae were renovated, and the existing buildings include Daeseongjeon, Dongjae, Seojae, and Myeongnyundang. Inside Daeseongjeon, tablets of the Five Saints, two sages from the Song Dynasty, and eighteen sages from Korea are enshrined. During the Joseon Dynasty, instructors received land, books, and servants from the government to teach students.
However, after the Gabo Reform, educational functions ceased, and now they hold ceremonies in spring and autumn, offering incense on the first and fifteenth of each month.
Goljeongji is a pond located below Myeoncheon Hyanggyo. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in summer, lotus flowers appear, attracting many visitors. Now, in winter, it presents a tranquil scene.
Goljeongji is not a large pond; it was created by Myeoncheon County Governor Park Ji-won in 1800. You can cross a stone bridge and take a break at the pavilion inside.
Park Ji-won served as the county governor for three years starting in 1797. At that time, Myeoncheon County was quite influential, but it was merged with Dangjin County in 1914, leaving Myeoncheon as a township.
In the center of the previously abandoned pond, an artificial island was built with stones, featuring a hexagonal pavilion. The pavilion was named Geongonilchotjeong, meaning 'a pavilion between heaven and earth,' inspired by a line from a poem by Du Fu.
This site offers beautiful cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, and stunning lotus flowers in summer, drawing many tourists. The autumn foliage of the cherry trees is also a sight to behold.
During the Japanese occupation, even the small pavilion within Goljeongji was destroyed, and Geongonilchotjeong was lost. However, Dangjin County restored the pavilion to its former appearance in 2006 after thorough research.
Being close to Myeoncheon Hyanggyo, students often visited this place to compose poetry and study. Sitting at Geongonilchotjeong is truly enjoyable. The bridge to the pavilion was originally a wooden bridge but has now been replaced with a stone one.
The area around Goljeongji has been developed like a park, with exercise equipment installed for visitors to enjoy walks and workouts. There are resting spots along the way to relax after exercise.
Heading inside Myeoncheon Fortress, you will find Yeongyanghyo Park, which features Gunja Pavilion built in 1803 by County Governor Yoo Han-dae. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully around the pavilion.
After the original Gunja Pavilion fell into disrepair, it was rebuilt in 1059 as a small hexagonal pavilion by the head of the Bok clan. In 1994, the pavilion was demolished and reconstructed as the octagonal pavilion we see today.
In summer, water lilies bloom here, and koi fish swim, making it a place where scholars once enjoyed poetry and culture. Various stone tablets stand in front of the Gunja Pavilion.
If you explore this area, visiting Myeoncheon Fortress, Yeongyanghyo Park, Jojeonggwan, Ansaem, the bamboo forest, and the art museum will make for a wonderful trip to Myeoncheon.
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