Historical Site of Dr. Wangin 왕인박사 유적지

The hometown of Wangin Baksa (Wangin, the Great Scholar) is located at the foot of Munpilbong Peak to the east of Gurim village. Due to Wangin’s importance and contributions to Korean history, this historical attraction is preserved and maintained in honor of his memory and achievements.

Seonggidong is the official birthplace of Dr. Wangin (marked by the Yuheobi memorial monument) and is also home to Seongcheon; the well Wangin is believed to have drunk from. Halfway up Mt. Wolchulsan are Chaekgul, Munsanjae and Yangsajae where Wangin is said to have studied as well as nurtured local pupils. To commemorate the significance of these areas, a memorial is held every March at Munsanjae and Yansanjae.

In front of Chaekgul is a statue of Dr. Wangin which is said to symbolize his benevolent character. Just west of Seonggidong is Doljeonggogae, a hill from which it is believed Dr. Wangin made a sorrowful look back at his countrymen before leaving for Japan.

Wangin departed for Japan from Sangdaepo, which at the time was an international trading port. The renowned Baekje scholar was beginning his journey at the request of Japanese Emperor Eungshin. He took with him ten books on the Analects of Confucius and a book of Cheonjamun, a text of one thousand Chinese characters. Over time, he earned the trust of the emperor and became instructor to the crown prince. Wangin is well-known for his part in the development of Japanese culture and his name appears often in Japanese history. Wangin educated beyond textbooks and made great contributions to the development of arts, crafts and music and is revered as the originator of Japan’s Asuka culture.

This historic site was originally reconstructed from 1985 to 1987 and is continually receiving improvements to improve accessibility for visitors.
 

Adults(ages 19-64): 1,000 won / Group: 700 won
Youths(ages 13-18): 800 won / Group: 500 won
Children(ages 7-12): 500 won / Group: 300 won
*Group : 30 or more people

* Yeongwolgwan – Information on Dr. Waningin’s achievements and contributions to the Baekje Dynasty on display. Second floor houses video room and exhibition hall.

* Statue of Dr. Wangin

* Reliefs depicting life of Dr. Wangin – A total of six artworks chronicling the life of the great scholar.

* Bongseondae –A variety of events and festivals held at the historic site of Dr. Wangin.

* Sinseon Taegeuk Garden & the Tombstone of Dr. Wangin – Replica of Wangin’s burial site in Hirakata, Japan. (In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Wangin Culture Festival, Sinseon Taegeuk Garden was decorated with blue and yellow dragons. The two dragons symbolize co-existence of Korea and Japan.)

* Wolak-ru Pavilion and Rampart

* Wangin Suiseki Exhibition Hall – More than 700 suiseki contributed by Park Chan-dae of Yeongam are on display.

* Mangujeong Pavilion – Rest area.

* Aehyang Suseok Hall - Visitors can relax and take a break here within the historic site.

* The Statue of Choe Ji-mong, a meritorious retainer of the Goryo Dynasty, Hongsalmun Gate, Jemyeongdang, Baekjemun Gate

* Other Facilities - Store, Viewing Deck, Wangin Park

Small cars: 1,500 won
Mid-sized cars (more than 9 passengers): 2,000 won
Large vehicles: 2,500 won

Available (Advanced reservations required)