Heo Family Silk Fabric is a traditional silk weaving business that has been continuing for five generations in Sangju, known as the hometown of Sambaek, focusing on silkworm cocoons (silk). In 2002, the workshop was relocated to its current location, where a space of about 3,000 pyeong is actively open to operate a reservation-based silk weaving experience center. Old spinning wheels and looms that were almost discarded are used for exhibition and hands-on experiences, and events are held to share the past, present, and future of the traditional silk industry.
Yonghwasa Temple is a temple located in Jeungchon-ri, Hamchang-eup. The exact founder and founding date of Yonghwasa are currently unknown. According to legend, this place was originally the site of Sangansa Temple founded by Uisang during the Silla Munmu King period. The 『Hamchang Eupji』, compiled in the late Joseon period, mentions this temple as 'a large old temple from the Silla period behind the granary [Sacheong] in Hyeontap-dong, where there are two stone Maitreya statues.' The two stone Maitreya statues mentioned refer to the stone Buddha statues enshrined in Yaksa-jeon, which include a seated stone Buddha and a standing stone Buddha, both designated as treasures. Although there is no other recorded history, the temple grounds have several old stone artifacts such as stone pagodas, stone lanterns, and foundation stones, indicating it is an ancient temple site. Inside the Dharma hall are enshrined the standing stone Buddha treasure, seated stone Buddha treasure, and various relics. Additionally, many stone pagoda pieces, halo fragments, and large stones that were scattered around the nearby village have been collected and stored within the temple.
The Sangju Jeungchon-ri Stone Standing Buddha Statue enshrined at Yonghwasa in Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a 1.98-meter-tall stone Buddha statue carved from a single stone including the halo (gwangbae). Due to severe weathering, detailed carving techniques are hard to observe. The Buddha's head is indistinct but appears bald, with a large topknot-shaped hair (yukgye) near the crown. The face is long and full, with indistinct but neat facial features. The body is tidy, and the garment draped over both shoulders is simply rendered. The halo symbolizing the Buddha’s radiance is also heavily worn, with only faint flame patterns visible on the edges. The statue shows weak body curves but a sense of stiffness and contraction in the drooping shoulders and rigid hands. This statue features a neat build with somewhat stiff and realistic aspects, reflecting the style of late Unified Silla period stone standing Buddha statues.
Sangju City was officially certified as a Slow City at the International Slow City Federation General Assembly in Poland in June 2011. It has excellent conditions for crop cultivation, including wide plains, adequate rainfall, high summer temperatures, and ample sunlight. The core areas of Sangju Slow City are designated as Hamchang-eup, Gonggeom-myeon, and Ian-myeon. Sangju is the old capital of Silla Seorabeol and Gaya Goryeong Gayagu, known for its developed agriculture and food culture, with 42% of households engaged in farming. It is also a representative bicycle city, home to the Sangju Bicycle Museum. Notable attractions include Gyeongcheondae, the number one scenic spot along the Nakdong River, Sangju Bicycle Museum, Gonggeomji, one of the three largest reservoirs from the Samhan period, and Hamchang’s famous silk town. Local specialties include Sangju dried persimmons, Sangju Hangwa, and Myungsilsanggam Korean beef. Sangju is known as the land of three whites—rice, silkworm cocoons, and dried persimmons—and is recognized for numerous health-related products, gaining attention in the oriental medicine bio-industry. At the Hamchang Myungju Museum, home to the Sangju Slow City Visitor Center, visitors can see the silk production process such as silkworm cocoon spinning and silk weaving, as well as related tools, with a slow mailbox that delivers letters a year later. Nearby, there is the Myungju Theme Park, Gyeongsangbuk-do Sericulture Insect Business's butterfly ecological garden, and a silkworm insect experience learning center. In Heukam-ri, Ian-myeon, lies Sangju Onggi Village where traditional jar-making techniques have been passed down for five generations. The Jisan-ri area offers hands-on experiences for actual farming or rural village life.
Hamchang Myeongju Theme Park is located in Hamchang-eup, Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. It was established to convey the history and origins of myeongju (fine silk), the tradition of weaving myeongju, and to newly recognize the value of this natural fiber. Nearby is the Myeongju Museum and the Korea Hanbok Promotion Institute, where visitors can appreciate the beauty of hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). The park hosts the 'Hamchang Myeongju Festival' to enhance and promote the status of Hamchang myeongju, Sangju's representative traditional industry. The 18,500㎡ rose garden features about 40,000 rose bushes of over 20 varieties, displaying one million flowers in full bloom, creating a spectacular sight. The well-maintained walking paths allow visitors to enjoy nature, ecology, roses, and the value and history of myeongju in this theme park.
