Osan Seowon, located in Yeongju-si, was founded in the 34th year of King Sunjo's reign (1834) to commemorate the scholarship and virtue of Kim Nansang with the consensus of local Confucian scholars, enshrining his memorial tablet. The posthumous title was Gyeonghyeonsa, and the lecture hall was named Myeonggyodang. The dedicatory inscription was written by Lee Huinyeong, the enshrinement gate by Yoo Taejwa, and the incense-offering gate by Lee Gwangjeong. When the seowon was elevated, the commemorative plaque was composed by Kim Heeju. Osan Seowon served in ancestral rites and local education but was destroyed around 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong) due to the Daewon-gun's seowon abolition decree and was never restored. Currently, on the seowon's site stand Maeyangjeong pavilion, Kim Nansang's stele, and the shrine; inside the shrine, plaques of Osan Isa, Gyeonghyeonsa, and Osan Seowon are preserved.
Located in Gahyeong-dong, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Sampanseo Old House is named after three ministers (Panseo) who lived there during the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods. The owners of this house were Jeong Un-gyeong, who served as Minister of Personnel during King Gongmin's reign in Goryeo, his son-in-law Hwang Yu-jeong, Minister of Public Works, and Hwang's grandson Kim Dam, Minister of Rites. Jeong Un-gyeong was the father of Jeong Do-jeon, and Sampanseo Old House is also known as the birthplace of Jeong Do-jeon. Among the three Panseo, Kim Dam is regarded as the best astronomer of Joseon. After passing the state examination at age 20, he observed celestial bodies at Ganyeodae, the national observatory, for 16 years and compiled numerous astronomical and calendrical works such as Chiljeongsan Naeoepyeon. Chiljeongsan is recognized as Korea’s first independent calendar, based on Hanyang (not Beijing). His descendants lived in this house for generations. Besides Jeong Do-jeon, many scholars and officials were born here, including Hwang Jeon of the Saheonbu and Kim Jung of Jiphyeonjeon, all descendants of the three Panseo. Originally located south of Guseong Park (current Yeongju 431), the house was tilted by the 1961 flood and demolished but restored in 2008 in its current form inside Guhak Park, overlooking the Seocheon River. Behind the house is Jeminru, the first local public medical institution of the Joseon period, and a 11-minute drive away is Yeongju Hyanggyo, an educational and cultural center for local people during the Goryeo period.
Jeminru is a two-story pavilion located behind the Sampanseo Old House, whose name means 'to save the people.' It was the oldest public local medical office during the Joseon Dynasty. Established by the Yeongnam county magistrate to serve as both a school and a medical office, it was used as Uihakru, a local public medical institution in early Joseon, and as a scholarly learning place for Yeongnam scholars. Founded in 1371 (Goryeo Gongmin Wang) by Hyeryun, a county magistrate, as a seodang (Confucian school) and study space for scholars. In 1418 (Taejong 18), county magistrate Lee Yunsang established the medical office to store medicinal herbs harvested from Taebaek and Sobaek mountains, supplying the court and treating local residents’ illnesses. Later in 1455 (Sejong 15), the medical office building Jeminru was constructed, and in 1608 (Seonjo 41), magistrate Lee Daejin built the Uiguk (medical office) north of Jeminru, solidifying its role as Joseon’s first local medical institution and a place for teaching medicine to yangban children. Toegye Yi Hwang stayed here for six months to care for the people’s illnesses. Originally located south of Guseongnam in Yeongju, the building collapsed in a 1961 flood. It was rebuilt in its current location in 1965 and renovated in 2007 to its present form. Nearby is the Sampanseo Old House, known as the birthplace of Jeong Dojeon.
Guseong Park was established on the site of the Joseon Dynasty Guseongsanseong Fortress to improve the leisure conditions of Yeongju citizens and provide a place for relaxation. When looking toward the park from Cheoltan Mountain, it is said to resemble a turtle crawling toward Cheoltan Mountain, hence the name 'Guseong.' The park was built in an area where King Taejo Yi Seong-gye constructed a fortress to block foreign invasions. The remains of Guseongsanseong Fortress, made of earth and stones, remain centered around the hills where the current park is located. Guseong Park features walking trails and exercise equipment. In 2015, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport conducted the 'Guseong Senior Safety Dulle-gil Trail Project,' and as part of the urban regeneration leading projects, the 'Halmae Noodle Factory' and 'Halbae Woodworking Shop' projects were also carried out.
Yeongju Pogyo-dang, also called Hongbeopsa (弘法寺), is a temple affiliated with the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It operates as the Yeongju regional propagation center under Gounsa (孤雲寺), the head temple of the Jogye Order's 16th district. Yeongju Pogyo-dang is located on the site of Hyangseodang during the Joseon Dynasty. Hyangseodang was first established by Ha Ryun, who was appointed Yeongcheon county magistrate in 1371 (the 20th year of King Gongmin), and it served as a rural religious organization in the Yeongju area. Around 1900, Yeongju Pogyo-dang was built as a propagation center directly under Gimyongsa in Mungyeong, the then main temple, reportedly using materials from Hyangseodang. It was originally in Hamang-dong but relocated to its current location in Yeongju-dong after 1940. The Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) was rebuilt in 1911, renovated again in the 1970s, followed by the construction of monks’ quarters, gilding of the triad Buddha statues in Daeungjeon, and new inscriptions on the pillars and main plaque. In 2008, a Jizo Bodhisattva statue was enshrined on the right side inside the Daeungjeon hall, and in 2009, the Daeungjeon was thoroughly painted in dancheong (traditional decorative coloring) and its pedestal was newly renovated.
It is a resting space for citizens created around Yeongjugyo Bridge. In spring, a beautiful cherry blossom path unfolds, and in summer, a rose tunnel full of climbing roses is formed in a round tunnel structure. You can enjoy walking along the riverside and experience various seasonal charms, attracting many visitors. Walking competitions are held to promote citizen harmony and mental and physical health, and there have been events offering diverse experiences such as hot air balloon rides and moon boat experiences. There is a course along the Seocheon stream crossing Yeongju toward Museom Village, popular with cyclists and trekkers. Additionally, there is Gangbaram Playground with various play areas such as swings, sand play areas, and rock climbing playgrounds. Besides play areas, convenience facilities like benches, pergolas, and shade structures are available, making it a popular rest spot for the whole family. Nearby are Sampanseo Old House, Jeminru, and Yeongju Modern History and Culture Street, which are good to visit together.
