A Cultural Walk Through the History of Hwasun Following Temples and Relics

The historical culture of Hwasun does not end with prehistoric dolmens. The freely positioned stone Buddha and pagoda at Unju Temple, the ancient Buddhist architecture of Ssangbongsa, and the various landscapes of Manyeonsa and Chunyang's Gaechunsa showcase different mountain temple sceneries. In Neungju, one can read the traces of education and politics from the Joseon Dynasty while walking past the Confucian academy and the place of exile of Jo Gwangjo. At the Ojiho Memorial Hall in Dongbok, one can connect with the life and works of a modern painter.

Grouping the eight locations by region makes the visit much smoother. Unju Temple belongs to the Doam area, Ssangbongsa and Gaechunsa belong to the southern area, Neungju Confucian Academy, Jo Gwangjo’s place of exile, and Yeongbyeokjeong belong to the Neungju area, while the Ojiho Memorial Hall falls under the Dongbok area. Temples prioritize ceremonies and practices, while Confucian academies and memorial halls may have shorter open hours. Distinguishing between times for viewing only the exteriors and those for interior tours, along with confirming reservations for cultural tourism explanations, will deepen the understanding of the visits.

To remember historical places longer, it’s better to explore who was there and what they did rather than just memorizing dates. At Unju Temple, consider the nameless stone workers and the faith community; in Neungju, reflect on Jo Gwangjo’s exile and local education; at the Ojiho Memorial Hall, think about the perspective of an artist who painted the light of Namdo. Let’s take our time to observe how the Jiseokgang River and railway overlap in the scenery of Yeongbyeokjeong.

Temples and Confucian academies can still serve as spaces for rituals, ceremonies, and education today. If the doors are closed, do not enter forcefully, and follow guidance regarding interior photography and access. In the small village relics, be considerate not to encroach on residents' homes and parking spaces. Rather than trying to rush through distant regions in one day, visiting a couple of mountain temples and the cultural heritage of Neungju will create more space for the stories of the locations and travel in between.