Scholastic Culture Trail Development Project

• Project Period: 2004 ~ 2006 (2 Years)
• Location: Wolim-ri, Anui-myeon, Bongjeon-ri and Dagok-ri in Seoha-myeon
• Trail: 6.2㎞ (Geoyeonjeong ~ Nongwoljeong)
• Route: Geoyeon-jeong (Gunjajeong) ~ Yeonggwijeong ~ Donghojeong ~ Gyeongmojeong ~ Ramcheonjeong ~ Nongwoljeong
• Project Cost: KRW 1.6 billion

Scholastic Culture Trail

Hwarimdong Valley

Having been a village of scholars throughout the history, Hamyang boasts over 100 pavilions and gazebos. These were where scholars, along with their friends, would discuss academics, enjoy a drink, or have a lunch, taking a break on their way to the capital. Hwarimdong Valley in Seoha-myeon was a point that young scholars from the Yeongnam region had to pass before crossing the 60 Ridges of Deogyusan Mountain. It was referred to as Paldampaljeong (Eight Ponds, Eight Pavilions)' in the old days because of its beautiful pavilions and magnificent flat rocks. Now, the 6.2 km "Scholastic Culture Trail" (Completed at the end of 2006) connects Nongwoljeong, Donghojeong, Gunjajeong, and Geoyeonjeong with a wooden bridge. This trail offers a view of the forests, valleys, and pavilions that scholars once passed.

When you see a pavilion while walking on the bridge, take a short break. In front of the pavilion, large, flat granite rocks are spread out like small fields. The names of the rocks are remarkably romantic. Woryeonam (“Moonlit Rock Pond” and Chailam (“Rock Large Enough to Cover the Sun”) (Cha-il-am).

The hollowed-out pools on the rocks, filled with water, create a mysterious pattern with gentle ripples. Some say people pour makgeolli (Korean rice wine) here and enjoy it by floating flower petals or pine leaves on the surface.

Seven pavilions where scholars used to gather and share poems.

Hamyang Hwarim Valley in Jirisan Mountain

The ever-winding Hwarim Valley traverses the northern part of Hamyang County which lies to the north of Jirisan Mountain. This valley seems to have been a cherished spot where scholars came down to enjoy a sip of wine and sing a song or two. Geoyeonjeong, Yeonggwijeong, Gunjajeong, Donghojeong, Gyeongmojeong, Ramcheonjeong, and Nongweoljeong. These seven pavilions are drawn on a map of this 6.2 km long "Scholar Culture Trail".

The section of the trail from Geoyeonjeong Rest Area to Nongwoljeong is well-maintained, making it easy to walk. When the wooden deck momentarily ends, a path through rice fields continues. The wind, blowing over the thigh-high rice field, is refreshing and welcoming.

The final destination, Nongwoljeong, is perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the scenery of the valley. This section is far away from the road and it offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The pavilion's name, "Nongwol," charmingly means "to ridicule the moon with a sip of wine." The wide, flat rocks, perfect for a drink, create a splendid landscape harmoniously with the valley. Nongwoljeong was built by a mid-Joseon Dynasty scholar named Park Myeong-bu also known as Jijokdang, who criticized the death of Prince Yeongchang and exile or Queen Inmok and, was exiled to his hometown, Hamyang during the reign of King Gwanghae. Although the pavilion collapsed in a fire last year, it is currently being restored. The phrase carved on the rock in front, "Jijokdangjanggujiso," means "the place where Master Jijokdang used to stroll around with a staff“.

If You Want to Walk More (Distance·Time: 6.2 ㎞ ⇒ 2 Hours)

Starting from the Geoyeonjeong Rest Area, after visiting Geoyeonjeong and crossing Bongjeon Bridge, walk along the wooden deck on the left. After about 10 minutes, when you reach the paved road, turn left, then immediately turn right towards the Daejeon-Tongyeong Expressway Bridge. Just before reaching the bridge, turn left, and the wooden deck trail will continue.

At the point where the trail ends, cross the stepping stones. On rainy days, the middle section may be submerged, so be cautious as you may need to take off your shoes to walk across the stones which can be shaky. Around the middle of the stepping stones, take right towards a pine tree island and continue walking on the wooden deck trail.

Pass through rural roads and cement paths and, walk along the trail in front of "Hoseong Village." After passing "Ramcheonjeong" and when you come to the "Hwarim Valley Trail Information Board," turn left. Cross the stepping stones over the valley, then turn right at the next main road, following the long embankment along Namgangcheon Stream. When the embankment ends, cross the road carefully, then turn left after crossing "Seoha Bridge" onto a winding old road. Once you reach the main road again, walk a little further until you see earthen steps on the left. Go down the steps, turn right, and follow the grassy embankment. As you continue, you'll see a sign for Nongwoljeong.