Mogwondong, developed around Yudalsan, Mokpo Station, and Namgyo Market, is the number one place for modern culture in Mokpo and the center of its commercial district. In the heart of Mokpo’s Mogwondong is Okdani-gil, named after Okdani, the main character of Mokpo-born playwright Cha Beom-seok’s work ‘Okdan-eo,’ a real person who lived by fetching water at the foot of Yudalsan. The path Okdani once walked has been reborn today as Okdani-gil. This path connects the past and present as a route of daily life and history, and walking around Mogwondong where Okdani roamed leads you to tread the path of modern Korean history. Okdani-gil starts from Mokpo Station and continues along a pedestrian-only street, forming a circular course. Although it is a long path, it offers the joy of exploring alleys while reflecting on past history.
Ogori Culture Center, preserving the modern appearance of Mokpo, is the building of the former Dongbonwon Temple. Dongbonwon Temple was the first Japanese Buddhist temple established in Mokpo with the official name Jinjong Daegokpa Dongbonwon Temple. The Mokpo branch was established in April 1898, the year following Mokpo’s port opening. In 1905, it built a wooden Dharma hall at its current location, followed by a stone Dharma hall in the early 1930s, and after liberation it was managed by Jeonggwangsa Temple. It was also the first officially operated Japanese elementary school in Mokpo upon approval for founding Mokpo Simsang High School. From 1957, it was used as Mokpo Central Church, giving it a unique history of transitioning from temple to church. Since the Yushin period and through the May 18 and June Democratic Uprising, it served as an important base for democracy movements in Mokpo and a refuge for citizens seeking democratization; it has monuments commemorating May 18 and the June Uprising. It was almost demolished for a parking lot citing disturbance to downtown revitalization but plans were canceled due to civic group opposition. Currently, since January 19, 2010, after indoor renovations and parking improvements, it reopened as Ogori Culture Center and is used for various cultural events and exhibitions.
Mokpo Jeonggwang Jeonghyewon, registered under Baekyangsa of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is located in the Junk-dong area of Mokpo's original city center. Jeonghyewon, which preserves the typical appearance of Japanese temples during the Japanese colonial period, was initially established as a missionary office by Japanese monk Dohyeon in 1911, then reopened as Heungseonsa in 1917. After liberation, Monk Manam renamed it Jeonggwang Jeonghyewon, while continuing to use the Heungseonsa site and main temple building. According to the head monk, after liberation, the Jogye Order took over and used it as Seonhakwon, and the roof tiles alone were recently replaced, with the rest maintaining the original appearance. Founded as a Japanese-style temple, the compound connects the monk's quarters and worship hall on both sides into a single building, combining worship and living spaces within one structure.
Dalseongsa is a traditional temple affiliated with Daehungsa of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located near the sculpture park of Yudalsan. Venerable Nodaeryeon built the temple on the southeastern foothills of Yudalsan in Mokpo with sponsorship from local patrons, holding Dharma meetings with hundreds of Mokpo citizens and followers. The stone pagoda of Wooden Amitabha Buddha on the temple grounds is densely inscribed with the names of devotees from its founding period. There is a monument commemorating the founder Venerable Nodaeryeon and beside it, a well called Okjeong, excavated through his prayer's efficacy. Also present are the Dalseongsa Reconstruction Merit Monument and Hyeongi Bong Yeongsebulmang Monument commemorating followers' contributions, and a founding monument honoring Venerable Nodaeryeon at the front of the temple. Ascending the stairs, visitors enter Dalseongsa built on stone terraces, but there are no traditional temple gates such as Iljumun, Geumgangmun, Sacheonwangmun, or Bulimun.
목포의 유달산은 그리 높지는 않지만 노령산맥의 맨 마지막 봉우리이자 다도해로 이어지는 서남단의 땅끝인 산이다. 유달산은 예부터 영혼이 거쳐가는 곳이라 하여 영달산이라 불렸으며 도심 속에 우뚝 솟아 목포시와 다도해를 한눈에 굽어보며 이곳 사람들에게 끊임없이 예혼을 일깨우고 있다. 호남의 개골이라고도 하는 유달산에는 대학루, 달성각, 유선각 등의 5개의 정자가 자리하고 있으며, 산 아래에는 가수 이난영이 부른 목포의 눈물 기념비가 있다. 정상에 올라서면 다도해의 경관이 시원스레 펼쳐져 있고 그 사이를 오가는 크고 작은 선박들의 모습을 볼 수 있다.
There is a monument quietly standing by the wall of Mokpo Station in Mokpo-si, Jeonnam. This monument commemorates the Melakkong Bridge and was established by Park Gilsu (1928~1989) to honor the bridge. At that time, the road next to Mokpo Station had a wide, long stream, and people on the other side had to take a long detour by a crossing bridge to board the train. This caused considerable inconvenience. Observing this daily, Park Gilsu organized fundraising and personally sought out steel and cement to build a bridge. However, the task was overwhelming, and with the large sum of 600,000 won he had saved by being frugal, the bridge was built. Using Park Gilsu's nickname, the bridge was constructed on April 20, 1964, and a commemorative monument was installed at the wall of Mokpo Station.
