Jeongeup where Naejangsan autumn leaves and the hot passion of the Donghak Revolution burn | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

1894년 반부패·반봉건·반외세의 기치를 들고 봉기한 전봉준·김개남·손화중 등 수만의 無名동학농민군이 전주감영에서 파견한 관군을 크게 이긴 최초의 전승지로, 향후 고부민란이 동학농민혁명으로 나아가는데 결정적 역할을 한 성지로 이를 추모 및 기념하기 위한 공간으로 조성하였다. 역사상 최초의 농민봉기탑인 갑오동학혁명기념탑과 동학농민혁명 관련 각종 교육 및 행사를 담당하는 교육관이 있다.

A small hill covered with ocher soil, this site marks a major victory for the Donghak Peasant Army over the government forces during the 1894 Gabo Donghak Revolution. In early April 1894, when the government army pursued the peasant army, the peasants lured them here and fought fiercely from the night of April 6 to the early dawn of April 7, securing a significant victory. On that day, they captured the Gobu government office and later took control of Heungdeok, Gochang, and Mujang, spreading the flames of the peasant revolution to Gyeongsang and Chungcheong regions. Today, atop the ridge of Hwangtohyeon is the Gabo Donghak Revolution Memorial Tower, and at the southeastern foot of the tower is the Hwangtohyeon Battlefield Memorial Hall. Sitting with your back to the tower, the red earthen mound and fields across the road leave a strong impression.

Naejangsan, located about 11 km from Jeongeup city center, is renowned for its blazing red autumn foliage of deciduous trees, making it Korea's top fall foliage destination. The name Naejangsan means 'mountain with infinite hidden treasures' and has been called the Geumgang of Honam since the Joseon Dynasty. The Naejangsan Tourist Area includes Naejangsan mountain, Naejangsa temple, a cable car, an observatory, the Naejangsan Autumn Foliage Tunnel, and Uhwa-jeong pavilion on a lake that reflects the crimson leaves like a watercolor painting. Near the Naejangsan public terminal, restaurants, motels, and pensions gather to assist tourists. Naejangsan’s main peak is Sinseonbong at 763 m, surrounded by nine peaks forming a horseshoe shape, creating a mystical atmosphere. It boasts beautiful scenery, listed as one of the nation’s top eight sights, with famous valleys including Geumseon Valley with Geumseon and Dodeok waterfalls, and Baegam Valley. There are over 10 hiking trails ranging from 1.5 to 14 km, allowing selective trekking based on fitness and preference. For easier access, a 3.6 km flat nature trail is available. Visitors can also take a cable car from the ticket office to the observatory.

Pihyangjeong Pavilion, widely known as the finest pavilion in Honam, originally had two ponds named Sangyeonji and Hayeonji in front and behind it, creating a beautiful scenery. However, Sangyeonji was filled in during the Japanese colonial period, and only Hayeonji (Taechangje) remains today. It was named Pihyangjeong because when lotus flowers bloom in the pond, the fragrance fills the surroundings. There is a legend that during the Silla period, scholar Choe Chiwon, while serving as governor of Taesan, composed poems here, but the exact date of the pavilion's construction is uncertain. The current pavilion is a mid-Joseon Dynasty wooden structure, open on all four sides and surrounded by railings. It is an important cultural heritage that showcases mid-Joseon wooden architectural style, serving as valuable material for architectural history research. Nearby tourist attractions include Taein Hyanggyo Confucian School, Taein Dongheon, Jeongtosa Temple, and the Old House Cultural Experience Center, making it ideal for linked sightseeing.