Cheongryongsa Temple is a small temple located on the mid-slope of Bibongsan in Gyeongsangbuk-do and belongs to the Daehan Buddhist Beophwa Sect. It is said to have been founded in 1674 (the 14th year of King Hyeonjong), and records related to its restoration are kept at the nearby Donam Seowon. The temple consists of the main hall Geungnakjeon, a Sanshingak, a dormitory, and a bell pavilion. Geungnakjeon is a building with a paljak-style roof, measuring three kan in front and two kan on the side, and is unpainted. Inside, there is a wooden bodhisattva statue enshrined in a lavish wooden pavilion on the second floor. The statue wears a tall crown and holds a wish-fulfilling jewel in one hand, seated on a lotus pedestal above a gilded lion statue, believed to have been created during the Japanese colonial period. To the left of the wooden bodhisattva statue on the altar is a seated Jizō Bosatsu statue about 40 cm tall, made of Gyeongju jade. Its style, wearing a hat called pimojizō and a heavenly robe, suggests that when first made, it likely held a staff in one hand and a jewel in the other. In front of Geungnakjeon are a stone pedestal more than 130 cm in diameter and a millstone of similar size, relics indicating that Cheongryongsa was once a training place for many practitioners. About 200 m away is the Cheongryongsa Observatory where visitors can view the Nakdong River. Parking is available at the Hoisang Naru tourist site near Nakdonggang Literature Museum, and it takes about 1 hour round trip to reach Cheongryongsa, which is 1.5 km away.
Donam Seowon was established in 1606 (Seonjo 39) and was granted royal recognition in 1676 (Sukjong 2). After building the east and west study halls in 1797 (Jeongjo 21), it underwent several renovations. Although it was torn down in 1871 (Gojong 8), local Confucian scholars rebuilt parts including the lecture hall in 1992, restoring it. From 2002, as part of a Confucian cultural tourism development project, structures such as Jeongheoru Pavilion, Jangpanggak, Jeonsacheong, Yeonggwimun Gate, Gojiksa, Ilgwandang, and Ipdeokmun Gate were constructed, giving it its current form. The name Donam originates from the Northern Song scholar Jeongja sending his disciple Yang Si back to his hometown, saying 'our Way (Do) will be practiced in the south.' It embodies pride in the Confucian tradition of Yeongnam in Joseon. Over several centuries, it enshrines nine scholars: Jeong Bong-ju, Kim Gwang-pil, Jeong Yeo-chang, Lee Eon-jeok, Lee Hwang, No Su-sin, Yoo Seong-ryong, Jeong Gyeong-se, and Lee Jun. Memorial rites are held annually on the 2nd and 8th days of the lunar calendar's second and eighth months. Except during rites, the site is closed, but visitors can inquire at Gyeongcheon Island Tourist Information Center or enter through Yeonggwimun Gate.
Hakjeon Observatory is a lookout where you can enjoy the cool river breeze while gazing at the wide expanse of the river and shoreline scenery. You can view a 4 to 5 km-long panoramic landscape from Sangjubor to Gyeongcheondae. The observatory was designed through a public contest and is shaped like a crane. The observatory is open on all sides and has glass railings, adding an extra thrill from the dizzying heights. Located halfway up a mountain, it blends naturally with the surrounding forest to create a unified scenic view.
Gyeongcheon Island is an approximately 200,000㎡ island located in the upper reaches of the Nakdong River, surrounded by an ecological park called Gyeongcheon Island Park. The gently flowing river and the cliffs of Bibong Mountain create a beautiful landscape. In spring, canola flowers bloom in full, and in autumn, cosmos and buckwheat flowers create a spectacular scene attracting many tourists. At sunset, the sunset beyond Gyeongcheon Island and the Nakdong River dyed in golden hues are famously beautiful. Around Gyeongcheon Island, there are rich connected resources such as the National Nakdong River Biological Resource Center, Hoisangnaru Tourist Site, Watersports Leisure Center, Bicycle Museum, International Equestrian Stadium, and Military Theme Park, allowing visitors to enjoy various travel experiences. ◎ Travel information to experience the charm of the Korean Wave - The drama was set on Gyeongcheon Island, which served as the background for Pilji Island where Mokha stayed for 15 years, along with Jeju Island's Hwanguchi Coast. Gyeongcheon Island is famous for its natural scenery that combines the Nakdong River and Bibong Mountain cliffs. When reaching Hakjeon Observatory overlooking Gyeongcheon Island following Mokha, one feels a slight relief from the worries in their heart.
Nakganggyo Bridge in Jungdong, Sangju connects Gyeongcheon Island Park and Hoisangnaru Tourist Site. Gyeongcheon Island, located upstream of the Nakdong River, is an ecological park where rapeseed flowers bloom in spring and cosmos and buckwheat flowers create a spectacular view in autumn, attracting many visitors. Hoisangnaru Tourist Site is a park inspired by the Nakdong River and old paths where scholars once held poetry gatherings, featuring a tavern village, an inn village, and the Nakdong River Literature Museum. Walking across Nakganggyo Bridge offers views of the calm Nakdong River with the backdrop of Bibongsan cliffs, evoking tranquility and peace. At sunset, the golden-lit Nakdong River beyond Gyeongcheon Island is breathtaking. At night, Nakganggyo Bridge is illuminated with nightscape lighting and a media facade. From 7:30 PM to 10:10 PM every evening, three programs themed on Sangju and Gyeongcheon Island are shown, creating a fantastic display of lights reflecting twice on the river.
