Exploring Baeksecheongpung Rock and Morocheon (Harim Reservoir)
By Jo Yoon-hee, 15th Blog Reporter
Location: Harim-ri, Gunbuk-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (Entrance to Seosan Temple)
Last summer, I stumbled upon a perfect summer getaway that I would like to share with you. Harim Reservoir, with its flowing water and abundant shade from trees, is home to Baeksecheongpung Rock and the nature-filled Morocheon.
Upon entering the area where Baeksecheongpung Rock and the reservoir are located, I noticed a new road had been constructed. This 2.22 km long road, designated as a bicycle-priority route named Namgang Gunbukje, starts from Wolchon-ri 737-2 and ends at Wolchon-ri 23-2. It seems that construction is still ongoing. I wonder how wonderful it would be to ride a bicycle along this road, enjoying the scenery after the maintenance is completed.
As I pass the Samseon Bridge leading to Seosanam in Gunbuk-myeon, I see the words "Baeksecheongpung" (百世淸風) carved into the rock on the left. Literally, it means "clear wind blowing for a hundred generations," but it symbolizes the unchanging spirit of a scholar and the integrity of a virtuous person.
During the Joseon Dynasty, the phrase "Baeksecheongpung" was commonly inscribed on the homes of loyal subjects or on rocks in their residences, and it was a favored phrase among intellectuals of that time.
The powerful calligraphy of Baeksecheongpung, located in the middle of the rock, was written by Jo Sam-kyu, a descendant of Jo Ryeo. The rock stands about 20 to 30 meters high and 100 meters wide. The inscription serves to honor the integrity of Jo Ryeo, who, as a member of the Six Loyalists, renounced his official position after witnessing King Sejo usurp the throne from his nephew, King Danjong, and lived a clean life back in his hometown.
Although Jo Ryeo was just an unknown scholar in his time, his name and spirit of loyalty have inspired many figures who valued loyalty and integrity in later generations. The rock inscribed with "Baeksecheongpung" seems to declare his noble integrity.
There are two shrines near Baeksecheongpung Rock, which harmonize beautifully with the surrounding nature. These shrines are dedicated to the descendants of Jo Ryeo, who fought valiantly during national crises.
These shrines are related to Jo Ryeo's great-grandsons who became righteous soldiers during the Imjin War. Three generations from his second son's family, including Jo Bang and his brother Jo Young, participated in the war and heroically perished in battles such as the Jeongamjin Battle.
The crape myrtle tree next to the shrine seems to be hidden among the tall trees. It was interesting to see flowers blooming at the tips of the branches, so I raised my camera to capture it.
The shade created by the majestic trees provides ample space to escape the hot sun, but it seems to require some maintenance. I believe that if the area is refurbished into a park, it could become a popular spot for the local community to enjoy nature comfortably.
The phrase "Baeksecheongpung" appearing frequently across the country reflects a difficult period in our history and signifies the many virtuous scholars who resisted during those painful times. The fact that places like Chaemi-jeong, Cheongpungdae, Eojodae, and Gomam are located in Hamyang, my parents' hometown, deeply moves me.
Last year, when I visited this place, I saw friends from Sri Lanka enjoying the water during the weekend. On this weekday, I was glad that I could capture the surroundings without any people around.
This is where Jo Ryeo, the grandfather of Jo Sam, the owner of Mujinjeong, famous for the Hamyang Falling Flower Festival, left his mark. As summer deepens, I invite you to immerse yourself in the charm of Hamyang at Baeksecheongpung Rock and Harim Reservoir.
Note that the area around Baeksecheongpung Rock is somewhat limited, so it is advisable to park in the designated area along the roadside or at the nearby Seosan Temple parking lot, and then walk to the rock to enjoy the scenery.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224363007063
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