Have you ever wondered about what cultural heritages exist in Pyeongtaek? Here at Pyeongtaek Insight, we've picked out a few of the many cultural and historical sites spread out throughout Pyeongtaek for you to visit and experience a taste of Korean history close by you!
Daeseongjeon Hall of Jinwi Hyanggyo Local Confucian School (진위향교대성전)
Jiwi Hyanggyo (hyanggyo – local Confucian School; a regional, public educational institution), once a local educational institution, was known to be founded and established during the earlier periods of the Joseon Dynasty. Greatly reflecting 18th-century architectural technique, the hyanggyo's main buildings included: Daeseongjeon Hall, where Confucius is worshipped; Dongmu House and Seomu House, where ancient sages are worshipped; Myeongryundang Hall, where students were educated; and Dongjae Quarters and Seojae Quarters, where the students resided. The school is located at the foot of Mubongsan Mountain overlooking the Jinwicheon Stream. The surrounding scenery creates a majestic atmosphere.
Address: 49 Jinwi-ro, Jinwi-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Birthplace of An Jae-hong (안재홍생가)
The main structure of the site is the home where leading modernist journalist, An Jae-hong (1891–1965) was birthed and raised. During the Japanese Occupation, An Jae-hong worked as the editor-in-chief of The Chosun Ilbo newspaper and led the Singanhoe (New Trunk Association; Korean Nationalist Organization) and Joseon Products Encouragement Movement. Well known as a great patriot, he also worked as a scholar who pioneered the study of ancient history and participated in the eradication movement of illiteracy.
The house is on the foot of a hill in Gyeruji Village in Godeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si. Once a much larger home, the remaining structures include the main house, guesthouse, and gated residence building. It is prized as the most space-efficient structure typically seen in the private homes of Gyeonggi-do. Its use of rectangular shapes added the convenience of movement and reflected the lifestyle of people during the early 20th century.
Address: 7 Gyeruji 1-gil, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha of Simboksa Temple (심복사)
Housed within the Simboksa Temple's Neungin Hall, the Stone Seated Vairocana Buddha figure is said to have been found submerged in the sea section near Deonmong-ri and brought up by an elderly resident of Mongsanpo, Paju. According to locals, the elderly man searched for a new home for the statue by visiting various temples in the area. Upon arriving at Simboksa Temple, the statue was said to have suddenly felt very heavy, prompting him to leave the statue at Simboksa. Judging from its over-stylized aspect, the Buddha figure is likely to date from sometime in the 10th century around the Unified Silla period.
Address: 22 Simboksa-gil, Hyundeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
The Paengseong-eup Guesthouse (팽성읍객사)
Paengseong-eup Guesthouse is known as the main guesthouse of Paengseong-hyeon during the Joseon Dynasty. The structure was first built in 1488 nearby local government offices. It included a central shrine within the premises, holding wooden tablets symbolizing the king. Two rooms on either side were used as temporary lodging facilities for visiting public officials from other districts. Wooden tablets enshrined in each local guesthouse exhibited the king's sovereignty across the country. To acknowledge this sovereignty, local magistrate and other officials would regularly perform their ceremonial dues by giving a deep and low bow in the direction of the royal capital. It was once used as a distillery and private home during the Japanese colonial period and was reconstructed in 1994. The prefecture resembles a typical Joseon-styled accommodation guesthouse.
Address: 117 Gaeksa-ri, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
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