Jecheon, Where Catholicism and the Spirit of Wijungcheoksa (Defending Orthodoxy and Rejecting Heterodoxy) Collided

The ideological and political conflicts of 19th-century Joseon lie dormant in the mountain valleys of Jecheon. From the crest of Bakdaljae Pass toward Jecheon, Baeron, located 10 li to the left, hid devout Catholics, while Jangdam, 10 li to the right, saw the uprising of righteous army forces led by staunch defenders of Wijungcheoksa (Defending Orthodoxy and Rejecting Heterodoxy). Although the timings differed, the proximity of these polar opposite ideologies offers a great opportunity to confront the history of late Joseon.

Along the way

1. 1
   Taksajeong Pavilion

   탁사정

   Taksajeong Pavilion is Jecheon's representative summer resort, featuring a beautiful valley harmonized with white sand, clear water, and old pine trees. \nTaksajeong of the "9 Scenic Views of Jecheon" does not refer solely to the pavilion itself, but to the superb scenery surrounding it. This is "Daeam," the 8th view among the 8 scenic spots of Jecheon praised in songs by Jeong Un-ho during the late Joseon period.MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Baeron Holy Ground

   배론성지

   Located along the national highway between Jecheon and Wonju, Baeron Holy Ground holds great significance in Korean Catholic history as a cradle for the spread of Korean Catholicism. This was a Catholic village where early believers of the Korean church hid to escape persecution, sustaining their lives and nurturing their faith by slash-and-burn farming and baking earthenware pottery.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Jayangyeongdang Shrine

   자양영당

   Gongjeon Village is home to Jayangyeongdang Shrine, the birthplace of the righteous army in the late Joseon period. It is a village school (seodang) founded in 1906 (the 43rd year of King Gojong) by Confucian scholars in the late Joseon Dynasty. Initially, portraits of Zhu Xi, Song Si-yeol, Yi Hwa-seo, and Yu Jung-gyo were enshrined. Later, the portraits of righteous army commanders Yu In-seok and Yi Jik-sin were additionally enshrined, where memorial services are held in spring and autumn.MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Gongjeon Station (Wood Train)

   공전역(우드트레인)

   At the Gongjeon Whistlestop, there is Wood Train operated by Master Kim Gwang-gi. Visitors can enjoy woodworking model-making experiences using healing woods such as arborvitae and cypress. Crafting woodwork while taking in the charming atmosphere of the small rural station and the sound of passing trains offers a truly unique experience.MoreLess

   

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