Touring Mineral Spring Attractions in Bonghwa | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

조선 중종 때의 문신인 충재 권벌(1478∼1548)선생의 유적지이다. 권벌은 안동출신으로 연산군 2년(1496)에 진사가 되고 중종 2년(1507)에 문과에 급제하여 대간, 정원과 각 조의 판서 등 여러 벼슬을 지냈다. 인종 1년(1545)에 우찬성과 판의금부사를 지냈으며, 을사사화 때 소윤일파에 의하여 삭주로 유배가서 그곳에서 죽었다. 선조 때 억울함이 풀어져 영의정에 추증되었고, 안동의 삼계서원에 모셔졌다.

The Bonghwa Bukjiri Seated Buddha Carving is made by carving a large chamber-like space into a natural rock face to house the Buddha statue, in which a 4.3m tall Buddha image is prominently carved. The wide and large face is richly proportioned and wears a slight smile on the front, showing a vivid expression. The shoulders appear somewhat hunched but the figure is dignified, and the robe draped over both shoulders forms thick U-shaped folds across the chest and extends down the arms, covering the pedestal on which the statue sits. The hands are depicted with the right hand raised to the chest and the left hand resting on the knee, enhancing the solemn elegance of the statue. The aureole behind the Buddha is divided into the head aureole and body aureole, featuring small Buddhas sculpted in various places, with a delicate lotus pattern engraved at the center of the head aureole. Considering the softness of the face and body expressions, the statue is estimated to have been made in the late 7th century and together with the Yeongju Gahung-dong Triad Buddha Carving and Seated Buddha (Treasure) represents the Buddhist sculpture style of the Yeongju-Bonghwa area at that time, leaving a significant mark in the history of Silla Buddhist sculpture.

The natural village where Ojeon Mineral Spring is located is called Muljip Village. Ojeon Mineral Spring was discovered by a peddler during the Joseon Dynasty and was selected as the top mineral spring at the national mineral spring contest during the reign of Seongjong, the 9th king of the Joseon Dynasty. It is said that during the 11th king Jungjong's reign, Jusebung, the magistrate of Punggi-gun, often visited this spring, and four praise poems are said to have been passed down. The village where Ojeon Mineral Spring is located was formerly called Aejun, meaning mugwort field. The name originates from the fact that the spring water was effective for skin diseases, and leprosy patients drank and bathed in the mineral water, then used the local mugwort to apply and drink as treatment, curing their illnesses, hence the name Mugwort Field.

According to the theory of pungsu (geomancy), Daksil Village is named for its shape resembling a golden rooster sitting on its eggs, called Geumgye Poranhyeong. This place was where Chungjae lived in seclusion, and his descendants have formed a clan village for 500 years. Related treasures such as Cheongamjeong, Samgye Seowon, Chungjae Diary, Geunsarok, rare books, and old documents are preserved in the Chungjae Relics Museum. The surrounding mountains, dense pine forests, large rocks, and clean water make it an ideal spot for family outings. Mid-Joseon scholar Lee Jung-hwan praised it as one of Korea's top scenic spots in his book Taekriji. In Seokcheon Valley, there is Seokcheon Jeongsa, built by Chungjae Kwon Beol's eldest son Cheongam Kwon Dong-bo to commemorate his father's virtues. Climbing from Seokcheon Valley to Daksil Village, there are the remains of Chungjae Kwon Beol, and this area is designated as Historic and Scenic Site No. 3. (Source: Bonghwa County Office)