[Nam-Gu/attraction] Buyong-jeong Pavilion & Gingko Tree

 

Buyong-jeong Pavilion & Gingko Tree

Gwangju, Namgu is famous for its traditional “Gossaum” (loop) fight festival. 

The place is also well-known for its ancient Gingko tree that is believed to have protected the province for over 800 years.

Lastly, there is the Buyong-jeong Pavilion, which serves as the foundation for where the system of “hyangyak,” the community compact, begun. 

We introduce to you Chilseok Village’s proud tradition, the Buyong-jeong Pavilion and the Ginkgo tree.

01 ｜Visit

This is the Buyong-jeong Pavilion located within the Gossaum Experience Centre. 

It is a historic site where Gwangju *”hyangyak” (community compact) originated. 

*what is “hyangyak”? It is a set of community rules (also translated as “village promises”) established by the Gwangju province during the Joseon Dynasty with the purpose of enhancing morality and mutual dependence for better self-governance. 

The Buyong-jeong Pavilion was built by a man named Mun-bal Kim (1359-1418). 

Its name originates from a tragic poem written by Ju Doni, who praised the lotus flower as the finest of all flowers.

Next to the Buyong-jeong Pavilion is the Buyong-jeong stone monument. 

On the eave of the Buyongjeong pavilion hangs tablets engraved with poems of famous scholars such as Yang Eungjeong, Go Gyeongmyeong, Lee Annul, and so on. 

You can see that later scholars further added to the collection by engraving tablets with poems such as the “Nujeongjaeyeong.”

This is the famous Gingko tree that is considered as the guardian tree of the Chilseok Village.

It is approximately 25m tall in height and 13m wide in circumference.

And it is about 650-year-old-tree.

This Gingko tree, planted in the front of the village, is believed to house the village’s spiritual grandmother, while a Pine Tree, planted at the back of the village, is considered to house the spiritual grandfather.

After the village inhabitants offer religious services to these trees every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, they divide themselves up into the upper village and the lower village groups and play the “Gossaum” (loop fight).

When viewed on a map, the Chilseok Village, located in the open fields at the foot of Mt. Jukryeong.

It resembles shape of seated cow. 

A legend says that Kim Munbal planted this gingko tree himself, in order to tie the cow's reins. 

 

This is the Green Welfare Forrest next to the Chilseok Village Ginkgo tree. 

Buyong-jeong Pavilion and the Ginkgo tree located within the Gossaum Experience Centre! 

We recommend you to think about the traditional history of Chilseok Village and be inspired by the spirits of the ancestors while you study this place.

02 ｜Information

This is the communal restroom located at the end of the Gossaum Experience Centre.

It is near the Ginkgo tree.

This is a gazebo located in front of the Buyong-jeong Pavilion.

03 ｜Location

· Address : Apchon-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju, Korea

· Hours    : Always Open.

· Telephone : +82-062-650-8382

· Average price : X

· Toilets : O

· Assessment : It is a place where you can study and see Chilseok Village’s famous attraction, the Buyong-jeong Pavilion and the Ginkgo tree. 

04 ｜How to get there

You simply have to take the bus and get off at Hachilsuk Station. 

However, because it is located at the southern end.

So the bus operation hours are limited.

 Therefore, we recommend you to drive your own car when coming to visit the Buyong-jeong Pavilion and the Ginkgo tree!