A Wellness Trip in Herb-Filled Jecheon | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Baeron Sacred Site is a Catholic holy site from the late Joseon period located in Gu-hak-ri, Bongyang-eup, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. As the persecution of Catholics began in the late Joseon era, believers started gathering in Baeron to find refuge, naturally forming a Catholic community. In 1801 (the first year of Sunjo), during the Sin-yu Persecution, Hwang Sa-young hid in Baeron’s cave and wrote the White Paper, later being martyred by execution. From 1855 (the 6th year of Cheoljong) to 1866 (the 3rd year of Gojong), Baeron Seminary, Korea’s first modern educational institution, was located here. It is also the site of the tomb of Choi Yang-eop, Korea’s first overseas student and the second priest following Father Kim Dae-geon, who passed away in 1861. Additionally, it is the birthplace of Nam Jong-sam, a martyr during the 1866 Byeong-in Persecution. Baeron Sacred Site belonged to the Gyeongseong Diocese until 1911, then to Wonju Diocese from 1968, and was developed in the 1970s to its current state. Since liberation, Baeron has become an important site in Korean Catholic history. Within the Baeron Sacred Site in Jecheon are religious facilities including Martyrs’ House, St. Joseph’s Church, Hwang Sa-young Memorial Tower, priest residences and chapels, Choi Yang-eop Memorial Church, many annex buildings, Bongse Sisters’ Convent, and the Salesio House, a social welfare facility. It remains an important site in the establishment of Korean Catholicism, continuing to attract pilgrims nationwide.

Taksajeong is a beautiful valley where white sandy beaches, clear water, and old pine trees come together, making it a representative summer retreat in Jecheon. The Taksajeong of Jecheon’s 9 Scenic Views refers not to the pavilion itself but to the magnificent scenery surrounding it. During the late Joseon period, Jeong Unho praised eight scenic spots of Jecheon, among which the 8th view, 'Daeam', is this place. In 1568 (the 19th year of King Seonjo’s reign), Im Eungryong, the Jeju governor, brought eight sea pines when he returned to his hometown and planted them here, naming the place Palsong. Later, a pavilion was built here called Palsongjeong. After Palsongjeong fell into ruin, a descendant named Yoon Geun restored it, and Won Gyu-sang renamed it Taksajeong. Situated in a southwestern valley formed by the divergence of the Charyeong and Taebaek mountain ranges, the Taksajeong recreational area features cool valley breezes, deep blue water, and a low waterfall that blend harmoniously with the surrounding old pine trees. In summer, many vacationers gather to camp and enjoy water activities on the wide sandy beach near the Yongso pond beneath the pavilion.

치악산 휴양림을 찾아 가는 길에 한국 천주교 전파의 진원지인 베론 성지를 찾아가는 길에 눈길을 끄는 음식점을 만났다. 이름도 특이해, 또랑길… 하지만 또랑 옆에 있지도 않다. 이 식당은 통나무로 깔끔하게 안과 밖을 장식하였다. 연한 나무색의 편안한 실내 분위기에 걸맞게 음식도 정갈하다. 주요 메뉴는 돌솥 산채정식이다. 반찬은 16가지나 나온다. 조기 구이도 나오고, 갖가지 나물들이 일품이다.

감악산과 석기암 사이 해발 400m 청정지역에 자리 잡은 산채건강마을은 산과 하천이 어우러진 전형적인 산촌마을이다. 돌과 황토로 지은 8개동의 전통가옥펜션, 황토게르마늄 구들 찜질방, 한의원, 약용식물원, 주말시골장터, 운동장, 바베큐장, 노래방기기, 식당, 토굴, 개울가 평상, 정자 등의 편의시설을 갖추고 있다.