The Ancient Times of Sejong Found in Jochiwon and Its Towns

If you only perceive Sejong through the lens of a planned city, you might miss the layers of history woven into Jochiwon and the towns of Jeonui, Jeondong, Yeongi, and Janggun. The Buddhist cultural properties of Biamsa Temple, the educational spaces of Yeongi Hyanggyo and Jeonui Hyanggyo, and the tomb of General Kim Jong-seo convey beliefs and orders from different eras. At Unjusan Fortress, you can interpret the terrain that once safeguarded transportation routes, and at Jeonui Chosu and Bongsan-dong Hyangnamu, you'll find intersections of royal records and village memories.

These nine locations are spread out and the bus schedules are infrequent, so it's essential to divide your visit into the northern areas of Jeonui and Jeondong, and the regions of Jochiwon, Yeongi, Janggun, and the new urban center. Access to the Confucian schools and temples differs according to events, rituals, and prayers, and neither tombs nor fortresses have permanent guidance staff. By understanding the era and function of these cultural properties in advance and planning an itinerary focusing on mere observation of their exteriors, you can experience Sejong's ancient times at a leisurely pace.

After concluding your historical exploration, instead of arranging the relics in chronological order, reflect on why they remain in their respective locations. Biamsa is a sacred space tucked away in the mountains, Yeongi Hyanggyo and Jeonui Hyanggyo were educational centers for the community, and Unjusan Fortress was strategically placed to control paths and ridgelines. Just like the water from Jeonui Chosu and the Bongsan-dong Hyangnamu, natural elements also carry people's memories and records. By connecting location and function, the map of Sejong before the new town comes into view in three dimensions.

When walls are closed off, observe only the exteriors without trespassing over private properties or crossing fences. At the tomb of General Kim Jong-seo and Doknakjeong, show respect for the ritual spaces, and avoid straying from unofficial paths while searching for traces at the fortress. Calculating the bus schedules and sunset times is also necessary to minimize your last stop. When you view cultural properties without consuming them as mere backdrops and instead look at them alongside the contemporary town, your historical journey through Sejong will be complete.