Gwandong Pungryu Era Route

Gangneung, Sokcho, Yangyang, Pyeongchang – The Bloom of Korean Cultural Renaissance

Gangwon Province, home to the eight famous spots in Eastern Korea (Gwandong Palgyeong), is renowned for its stunning landscapes shaped by the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range and the East Sea. This region inspired the "Jingyeong Culture," a cultural renaissance that blossomed during the late 18th century. This period marked a distinctly Korean appreciation of natural beauty, known as "pungryu" (artistic elegance). Poets and scholars were drawn to this area, capturing its landscapes, traditions, and customs in poetry and song. The area also served as the backdrop for Songgang Jeong Cheol’s celebrated work, Gwandong Byeolgok. Travelers can immerse themselves in Korea’s national heritage by exploring Gangwon Province and following this route centered around the Gwandong Palgyeong.

Gwandong Pungryu Era Route Visit Routes

Gyeongpodae Pavilion in Gangneung

Gyeongpodae Pavilion is one of the "Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong," as described by the Joseon Dynasty poet Jeong Cheol. It is a historically significant site where scholars and poets from various regions gathered to appreciate the natural beauty, cultivate their studies, and refine their minds. The pavilion features a paljak roof (eight-sided) resembling the character for eight (八), supported by 48 pillars. It has a grand scale with five rooms in the front and five on the sides, making it a representative pavilion from the late Joseon period.

A unique feature of Gyeongpodae is its three-tiered interior, designed to offer a three-dimensional view of the scenic Gyeongpo Lake. The lake-facing floor is elevated, with additional elevated sections on the left and right, creating a panoramic viewing experience.

Gyeongpodae has two name plaques: one in cursive script by Yoo Han-ji and the other in regular script by Lee Ik-hwae. Inside, it houses various notable works, including "Gyeongpodaebu" by Yi I, written when he was ten, King Sukjong's poem, and a dedication by Jo Haman. These elements significantly enhance its cultural value. The oldest reference to Gyeongpodae is "Palyoung" by Kim Geuk-gi during the Goryeo Dynasty. Originally built at the site of Inwolsa Temple in 1326 (13th year of King Chungsuk's reign), it was moved to its current location in 1508 (3rd year of King Jungjong's reign) by Gangneung Governor Han Geup. The pavilion has undergone several restorations to achieve its present form. Acknowledging its historical and academic significance, Gyeongpodae was designated a National Treasure in December 2019.

Address

365, Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Contact

+82-33-640-4471
Visiting Hours
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9AM - 6PM (Open year-round)
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Stamp

The House of Culture and Tourism Commentary
Admission Fee

Free
Website

https://www.gn.go.kr/tour/prog/lod/Sights/S02/sub02_03_01/view.do

Directions

Get off at Gangneung Express Bus Terminal → Walk to the local bus stop → Take Bus No. 202 from Gangneung Intercity and Express Bus Terminal Bus Stop → Get off at Gyeongpodae and Chamsori Museum Bus Stop

ⓒKorea Heritage Service

Seongyojang House in Gangneung

Seongyojang House, a representative traditional Korean house, is a typical upper-class residence of 99 kan (units between columns). It was designated Important National Folk Cultural Heritage No. 5 in 1965 and has been well preserved for over 300 years, harmonizing with the surrounding beautiful nature to showcase the architecture and culture of the Joseon Dynasty. Starting with the main building, Anchae, other buildings such as Dongbyeoldang, Seobyeoldang, and Sarangchae were constructed, along with twelve large gates including the main gate. At the entrance, there is an artificial pond and a pavilion called Hwallaejeong. The entire complex was not constructed at once but was gradually expanded, giving it a somewhat eclectic yet free and generous atmosphere. The individual buildings are appropriately arranged against the backdrop of low hills, and their simple structures contribute to the relaxedAMbiance. The various household items preserved here offer valuable insights into the lifestyle and customs of the people in Gangneung during ancient times.

Address

63, Unjeong-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Contact

+82-33-648-5303
Visiting Hours
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Summer: 9AM - 6PM, Winter: 9AM - 5PM
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Stamp

Ticket Office, Seongyojang House
Admission Fee

Adults: KRW 5,000 / Youth: KRW 3,000 / Children: KRW 2,000
Website

www.knsgj.net

Directions

Get off at Gangneung Express Bus Terminal → Walk to the local bus stop → Take Bus No. 202 from the Gangneung Intercity and Express Bus Terminal Bus Stop → Get off at Seongyojang Bus Stop → Walk for 3 minutes

Ojukheon House in Gangneung

Ojukheon House is the birthplace of the historical figures Shin Saimdang and Yi I (Yulgok). It was constructed during the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty. Shin Saimdang was a distinguished female artist, while her son, Yi I, was a prominent scholar, considered one of the two great Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty alongside Toegye Yi Hwang. The house is named Ojukheon due to the black bamboo (Ojuk) growing in its backyard. It is recognized as one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea, offering significant architectural value. The structure features a single-story paljak roof style with three rooms in the front and two on the side. The left two rooms are a daecheong (wood-floored hall), and the right room is an ondol (heated floor) room. Since Shin Saimdang was featured on Korean currency, Ojukheon has been known as the birthplace of the world's first mother-son duo to appear on banknotes. Recognized for its architectural significance, it has been designated as a treasure. Mongryongshil, the room where Yi I was born, is part of the complex. Within the premises, Munseongsa houses the portrait of Yi I, and the Yulgok Memorial Hall displays his works and the inkstone he used during his youth. The Yulgok Memorial Hall also features Shin Saimdang’s artworks and family relics. Every year on October 25th and 26th, Gangneung City holds the Yulgok Cultural Festival to commemorate Yi I.

Address

24, Yulgok-ro 3139beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Contact

+82-33-660-3308
Visiting Hours
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9AM - 6PM (Ticket sales until 5PM)
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Stamp

Tourist Information Center, Ojukheon House
Admission Fee

Adults KRW 3,000 / Youth & Soldiers KRW 2,000 / Children KRW 1,000
Website

www.gn.go.kr/museum/index.do

Directions

Get off at Gangneung Express Bus Terminal → Walk to the local bus stop → Take Bus No. 302 from the Gangneung Intercity and Express Bus Terminal Bus Stop → Get off at Ojukheon Bus Stop → Walk for 8 minutes

Sinheungsa Temple in Sokcho

Sinheungsa Temple, originally founded by the Silla monk Jajang in the Three Kingdoms period, was reconstructed at its current location during the reign of King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty. According to legend, three monks had a dream in which a white-haired deity appeared and designated the site as a holy land that would be free from disasters for millennia. Inspired by this vision, they rebuilt the temple and named it Sinheungsa, meaning "Newly Flourishing Temple," signifying that it would prosper under divine protection. In 1995, the temple's name was updated to include the character '新' (new) to symbolize the revival of Buddhism in the Yeongdong region. The temple complex houses numerous cultural assets, including the 'Wooden Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Triad', 'Wooden SeatedAMitabha Buddha Triad', 'Bronze Incense Burner', 'Geungnakbojeon Hall', 'Woodblocks', 'Bojeru Pavilion', 'Three-story Stone Pagoda of Hyangseongsa Temple Site', and 'Three Buddhas Hall'. These artifacts have preserved their cultural value over time and were designated as Gangwon Cultural Heritage Materials in 1984.

Address

1137, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Contact

+82-33-636-7044
Visiting Hours
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9AM - 5:30PM
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Stamp

Administration Office, Sinheungsa Temple
Admission Fee

Free
Website

http://www.sinheungsa.kr/

Directions

Get off at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal → Walk to the local bus stop → Take Bus No. 7 or 7-1 from the Express Bus Terminal Bus Stop → Get off at Seoraksan Sogongwon Bus Stop → Walk for 17 minutes

ⓒSinheungsa Temple stay

Naksansa Temple in Yangyang

Naksansa Temple, located at the foot of Obongsan Mountain in Yangyang, is one of the three great mountains in the Gwandong region along with Geumgangsan and Seoraksan. The name Naksansa is derived from "Botanakgasan," a place where Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is believed to always reside and preach. It is one of the three major prayer sites dedicated to Avalokitesvara and offers breathtaking views of the East Sea, earning it a spotAMong the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong. The temple was founded in 671 AD (11th year of King Munmu's reign) by the Silla monk Uisang and has been rebuilt several times, most notably in 858 AD (2nd year of King Heonan's reign). Although it was destroyed during the Korean War, it was reconstructed in 1953. The temple complex boasts numerous cultural and religious treasures, including the ‘Gongdonghaebajungsaritap’ pagoda, the ‘Gilt-bronze Seated Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Statue,’ the ‘Seven-story Stone Pagoda,’ and the ‘Haesu Gwaneumsang’ statue. It also houses the Botajeon Hall, which enshrines all statues of Avalokitesvara, and the Uisang Memorial Hall, which contains relics of the temple’s founder, Uisang Daesa. Naksansa Temple is not only a place of historical and cultural significance but also a revered site of Avalokitesvara worship and a thousand-year-old temple rich with cultural heritage.

Address

100, Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
Contact

+82-33-672-2447
Visiting Hours
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6AM - 5:30PM (last entry at 5PM)
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Stamp

Naksansa Temple’s Ticket Office or Buddhist Cultural Heritage Information Center
Admission Fee

Free
Website

www.naksansa.or.kr

Directions

Get off off at Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal → Walk for 3 minutes to the Songam-ri Bus Stop → Take Bus No. 9 or 9-1 → Get off at Naksan Bus Stop → Walk for 17 minutes

Woljeongsa Temple in Pyeongchang

Woljeongsa Temple, established in 643 AD (12th year of Queen Seondeok's reign) by the Silla monk Jajang, is uniquely positioned as a Buddhist holy site encompassing an entire mountain, the only such site in South Korea. Peacefully situated in the energy-filled area of Odaesan, Woljeongsa is revered as a sacred mountain of Manjusri Bodhisattva, exuding a serene beauty. In 1964, the temple was the residence of Venerable Tanheo, a master of Hwaeom (Huayan) studies and a scholar of Eastern philosophy. His disciple, Venerable Manhwa, later rebuilt the current Jeokgwangjeon Hall, and Venerable Hyeonhae established the Great Dharma Wheel Hall, completing the temple's grand appearance. Despite suffering losses of many sacred artifacts and cultural assets due to fires and wars, Woljeongsa still retains unique buildings and numerous treasures, including the nationally designated Octagonal Nine-story Stone Pagoda. The temple is also home to the Odaesan Archive, where the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage document, were stored. This site combines historical significance with beautiful natural surroundings.

Address

374-8, Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Contact

+82-33-339-6800
Visiting Hours
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10AM - 5PM (Tourist Information Center)
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Stamp

Woljeongsa Tourist Information Center
Admission Fee

Free
Website

http://woljeongsa.org

Directions

Take Bus No. 225, 226, or 227 at Jinbu Public Bus Stop → Get off at Woljeongsa Bus Stop → Walk for 5 minutes

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