With traditional architecture among nature, UAM Historical Park (우암사적공원) is in fact a well preserved piece of history. That you should definitely add to your bucket list to learn more about South Korea’s old times. And also, because of its cultural heritage. Plus beautiful landscapes, of course!
This is undoubtedly the best place to escape from the busy life. Since the view of the old buildings with tiles between the green grass and trees, makes you feel warm. Probably because once you learn the history about one place, the perspective of it changes and evokes nostalgia.
With this in mind, we will let you have a trip to the past thanks to our article.
Education in the old days
UAM Historical Park is the place where Uam Song Shi Yeol (우암 송시열) ㅡ a great Confucian scholar during the late Joseon period ㅡ studied. And later, it was turned into a historical park. To do this, sixteen buildings were restored. Including Jangpangak (장판각), an exhibition hall, and a library across 16,000 pyeong, from 1991 to 1997.
By knowing this, you might have already guessed that UAM Historical Park is a piece of history among the big city. In other words, a good place to recall about the past in the modern times.
Map
Inside of the park, there is a Inhamgak (인함각 ㅡ 忍含閣). Which means that you have to endure all the pain. There is a Myeongsookgak (명숙각 ㅡ 明淑閣) as well. Which has the meaning to use your mind bright and clear. And nearby, a Leejikdang (이직당 ㅡ 以直堂). That means to use your mind straight. There is also a Shim Gye-jae (심결재 ㅡ 審決齋). Which means to make a decision after having considered it in a careful way. And a Gye-rye-jae (견뢰재 ㅡ 堅牢齋). To keep Sunhyun’s teachings firmly.
In addition, there is a Namgansa Temple (남간사 ㅡ 南澗祠) and a relics museum. Where a ritual ceremony is held in spring and autumn.
Walkthrough
The first thing that you will find when you pass the colorful entrance, are these traditional buildings. Which are in fact well preserved! And beautiful, or course.
Gigukjeong (기국정)
This place is a separate building of Uam Song Si-yeol’s house. At that time, Gugjia ㅡ a word derived from matrimony vines ㅡ and Chrysanthemums were said to be abundant around. That is why the name of this house is Gigukjeong. Because it combines the characters ‘Gi’ and ‘Guk’.
Looking back at the time in which this place was moved to its current location, it is said that the pond (소제 연못) was filled during the construction of Daejeon Station. In the Japanese colonial period.
Here, Uam used to discuss scholar issues with the visitors.
Namganjeongsa (남간정사)
This is a calligraphy hall that was built by Uam in his later years. And a place where many disciples were raised and studied as well.
You can see by the pond, that these building did not violate nature. But drew harmony of nature.
It is worth to mention, that the water that fills the pond comes from the riverbed of Daecheong and Gyejoksan Mountain.
A pavilion to appreciate the nature
As soon as you leave the area of Namganjeongsa, you will find this beautiful but small korean pavilion.
From there, you can have a great view of the park.
Management Office (관리사무소와)
When you leave the korean pavilion you will find a path with stairs. And if you go up, you will fin the management office. Which has the same traditional architecture as the old buildings.
Songjadaejeonpan (장판각)
Beside the management office, you can find this place. That has a total of 11,023 woodblocks. Which are a collection of literary works and annals done by Uam Song Si-yeol (1607-1689).
Unfortunately, the day I went it was not possible to enter. But here is a picture of how it looks like.
Memorial Hall of Song Si-yeol (유물관)
There is a museum where you can find artifacts and literary works of Uam. Which were left by him to tell us about the historic background at the time. And of course, about his life. As you can read about his achievements.
As we mentioned before, during spring and fall, they have a ritual here.
The day I went, it was not open. But if you have the chance to go, I am pretty sure you will understand why we say that UAM historical park is a piece of history that it is well preserved.
At the side, you will find this path. Which will lead you to the next building.
Myeongjeongmun Gate (명정문 ㅡ 明政門)
This Gate has a meaning. And it means to enter the world of learning with a right heart.
Once you pass through the doors, you will find more buildings.
Myeongsookgak (명숙각 ㅡ 明淑閣)
This one it is a study room for scholars that want to clarify their thinking. Because once they do it, they can clear and brighten their minds.
Inhamgak (인함각 ㅡ 忍含閣)
This is a study room for scholars who have to endure all the suffering.
Yijikdang (이직당 ㅡ 以直堂)
This is an auditorium that means to use your mind straight.
There are surely many other buildings to see. But since it was difficult to walk due to the ice, I did not finish looking around the park.
However, I truly recommend you to visit! Because you will get to learn a lot about history.
Interesting paths
Next to the area we mentioned before, you will find a walking trail. Which looks nice when it snows! Although it gets really slippery.
When you are walking up, you will come across to recreational areas. Such as playgrounds.
And I am pretty sure there it is more to see! But now, it will be your turn to find the hidden gems of this place.
Location
This place is at the foot of a hill in Gayang-dong.
Address: 65 Gayang-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon
How to get there:
From Daejeon Station, you need to take bus no. 311. And wait for 10 stops. Then, you must get off in the station called ‘우암사적공원’. Where you will need to walk straight to eventually find it. You can also take bus no. 103. However, this one does not leave you at the entrance as the other one. For this one, you must wait for 10 stops. And you need to get off in the station called ‘대전보건대학’. Where you will need to walk straight before turning to your right in the first corner. From there, you just need to walk straight until finding it.
Conclusion
Since there is a lot to see in this park, it is a great idea to come and spend a whole day here. You will surely feel relaxed strolling in this place!
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