Walking in the footsteps of Dasan | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Dasan Chodang, located on the slopes of Mandeoksan with a panoramic view of Gangjin Bay, is where the great scholar Jeong Yak-yong, a leading figure of late Joseon Silhak, lived during his exile. The pen name Dasan (茶山) comes from a mountain behind Gyuldong in Gangjin, which he used while staying here. As a representative Silhak scholar of late Joseon, Jeong Yak-yong was exiled to Gangjin in 1801 and lived here for about 18 years, writing over 600 books including 'Mokminsimseo' and 'Gyeongse Yupyio,' compiling Silhak that aimed to lead the ideological school of Neo-Confucianism toward practical scientific thought. Born as the fourth son of Jeong Jae-won, former Jinju magistrate, he passed the civil service exam at 28 and held various posts before being exiled first to Janggi, Gyeongsang Province, then to Gangjin in 1801 due to the Sin-Yu treason case. He first stayed for 8 years outside Dongmun Gate, at Goseongsa’s Boeunsanbang, and his disciple Lee Hak-rae’s house, then moved to Dasan Chodang in spring 1808 and lived there for over 10 years until his release in September 1818, teaching disciples and writing most of his great works here. Dasan Chodang, which had collapsed in old age, was restored in 1957 by the Dasan Heritage Preservation Society; later the Dongam, where Dasan lived, and Seoram, where disciples stayed, were restored. Among other features at Dasan Chodang are Jeong Stone, a stone inscribed with '丁石' by Dasan on Byungpung Rock, Yakcheon spring where he brewed tea by locating water veins himself, Dajo rock used for tea ceremony, the Yeonji stone mountain in the pond, and Cheonilgak pavilion, built in a place where he consoled his mind longing for his hometown while thinking of his second brother Yakjeon exiled to Heuksando.

Baekryeonsa Temple is said to have been founded during the reign of Munsung of Silla by the monk Muyeom (801–888) under the name Mandeoksa, following the mountain’s name. It later declined but was rebuilt on the old site in the 7th year of King Huijong of Goryeo by the monk Wonnyeom Yosae, gaining fame through the Baekryeon Order and becoming known as Baekryeon Temple. In the Joseon era, it was well-known as a place where Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, exiled to Gangjin, communicated and exchanged ideas beyond religion and age with the monk Am Hyejang. Mandeoksan, where Baekryeon Temple and Dasan Chodang are located, has many wild tea plants and has long been called Dasan (Tea Mountain). Jeong Yak-yong adopted the pen name 'Dasan' to represent his time in exile here. Another pride of Baekryeon Temple, important in the late Joseon tea culture revival, is the natural monument No. 151, a 1,500-tree camellia forest. The flowers begin blooming from late November and reach full bloom around late March, with fallen flowers coloring the ground red again in April. Baekryeon Temple offers various templestay programs such as relaxation, group experience, and tea ceremony experiences, with Dasan Chodang and Dasan Museum nearby.

Designated as National Historic Site No. 68 in 1963, the Gangjin Goryeo Celadon Kiln Site was a place where pottery and celadon were collectively produced for over 500 years from the 9th to the 14th century, with about 180 kiln sites distributed across 9 villages. It was a place of collective celadon production during the Goryeo period, including Gangjin and Buan, but most of the approximately 400 ancient kiln sites discovered nationwide are found in Gangjin. Among them, Sadang-ri produced celadon at the peak of its manufacturing technology, and over 80% of the celadon designated as national treasures or treasures in Korea were produced here. The techniques' genius and artistic value have been recognized worldwide, and some pieces are housed in the Louvre Museum in France. Additionally, Gangjin's conditions for clay, fuel, transportation, and climate were more suitable than other regions, nurturing Korea's celadon culture. In the 'Celadon Village' area of Gangjin, the Goryeo Celadon Museum, Goryeo Celadon Digital Museum, and Korean Minhwa Museum provide various audiovisual experiences, and the Celadon Village Auto Camping Site is located nearby.

Maryang Port is located at the southernmost tip of southwestern Korea, passing through Gangjin from Gwangju, and has recently emerged as a beautiful harbor. Maryang (馬良) means 'bridge for crossing horses.' The first thing that stands out at Maryang Port is the promenade along the breakwater. The sea here is a clean area connecting Wando Archipelago and Jeju Island, and is also known as a great spot for sea fishing including sea bream, sea bass, and rockfish. In autumn, the Jeoneo Festival attracts many tourists, and Maryang Port is also used to reach islands famous for excellent sea fishing. Historically, a Madujin fort was established in 1417 during King Taejong’s reign in early Joseon, overseen by the Manho Jeoljedowi, and during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and 1598, a turtle ship was stationed here as a strategic key point. At the entrance of Maryang Port, you can see a black island on the sea, called Gamak Island or Kkamak Island because its forest looks so dark green that it appears black. Maryangmi Port is full of abundant food, diverse sights, and entertainment, and from April to October, a Saturday music concert is held every Saturday at the central breakwater area of Maryang Port. Maryangmi Port is 14 minutes by car, 11 km away from the nearby tourist attraction Gaudo Island, where you can experience a monorail and zipline.