Historical Site of Wangin
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 Wangin (marked by the Yuheobi memorial monument) and is also home to Seongcheon, the well Wangin is believed to have drunk from. Halfway up Wolchulsan Mountain 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 Wangin which is said to symbolize his benevolent character. Just west of Seonggidong is Doljeonggogae, a hill from which it is believed 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.
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Yeongam-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju
- Address
- 440 Wangin-ro, Yeongam-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City
- Opening hours
- Summer 09:00-18:00 / Winter 09:00-17:00
- Parking
- Available (150 parking spaces)
- Parking nearby
- 2 lots within 500 m · about 713 spaces
- Sunrise / sunset
- Sat, Oct 31: sunrise 06:52 · sunset 17:42
- Phone
- +82-61-470-6643
Festivals & events nearby
- Wolchulsan Gukhwachukje 월출산 국화축제 Fri, Oct 30 – Sun, Nov 15 · 6 km
FAQ
- Is there parking at Historical Site of Wangin?
- Yes (Available (150 parking spaces)). On weekends and holidays the car park fills up early, so arrive in the morning.
- What are the opening hours of Historical Site of Wangin?
- Summer 09:00-18:00 / Winter 09:00-17:00. Hours can change by season or for events, so check before you go. Times are Korea time (KST).
Nearby attractions
- Yeongam Wanginbaksamaeul 영암 왕인박사마을 0.7 km · Historic site
- Hanbogipgo Yuyujajeok (Jusikhoesagoyeong) 한복입고 유유자적 (주식회사고영) 0.9 km · Traditional experience
- Yeongamgunriphajeongungmisulgwan 영암군립하정웅미술관 1.0 km · Museum & gallery
- Jukjeongseowon 죽정서원 1.1 km · Historic site
- Yeongam Pottery Museum 1.2 km · Museum & gallery
- Sangdaepoyeoksagongwon 상대포역사공원 1.4 km · City park
- Misulgwanaraehyeopdongjohap 미술관아래협동조합 2.6 km · Experience
- Yedameun(Sadanbeobinyedameungyubangmunhwawon) 예담은(사단법인예담은규방문화원) 2.6 km · Craft experience