Geumgang Scenic Line 10
Ijidang
Seohwacheon, imbued with the spirit of scholars... Okcheon Ijidang
Okcheon Ijidang is a famous attraction located on a mountain slope overlooking the Seohwacheon Stream, a tributary of the Geumgang River. It is situated with a view of the flowing water in front and leaning against the rocky cliffs behind, offering a picturesque landscape for visitors to enjoy. Okcheon Ijidang is the place where Jo Heon (1544–1592), a prominent scholar and military leader during the mid-Joseon period, taught his disciples while appreciating the stunning scenery. Inspired by the phrase from Sijeon (詩傳) by Song Si-yeol (pen name Uam; 1607–1689), “If the mountain is high, one cannot help but look up, and if the conduct is righteous, one cannot help but follow,” the name “Ijidang” was coined. The plaque of Ijidang is known to have been handwritten by Song Si-yeol himself. This building was designated as a treasure in December 2020. It is considered the oldest surviving seodang (Korean traditional village school) building in South Korea. You can feel the spirit of scholars from Jo Heon and Song Si-yeol against the backdrop of a tranquil stream. If you cross the bridge in front and go down the waterway for about 500 meters, you will reach the Seohwa Cheon Ecological Wetland artificially created for water quality purification. If you climb up to the observatory at the end of the wetland, the surrounding scenery stretches out like a landscape painting.
Address
126 Ibaek 6-gil, Gunbuk-myeon, Okcheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do