Exploring Humanities in Paju: A Journey Through History and Reflection
A Time Where History Meets Reflection
✍️Review of Humanities Exploration in Paju✍️
Hello!
On Saturday, March 21, I participated in the first humanities exploration program titled "Inquiring about Yulgok and Ugyo."
This program, organized by the Paju Cultural Foundation, allows participants to explore the footprints of the great scholars Yulgok Yi I and Ugyo Seong Hon throughout Paju.
The program is offered free of charge to Paju citizens!
The exploration for adults has three sessions:
1st session: March 21 (Saturday)
2nd session: June 13 (Saturday)
3rd session: September 12 (Saturday)
For families, the exploration sessions are:
1st session: June 27 (Saturday)
2nd session: October 25 (Sunday)
We traveled with a guide to learn about the history of our region, Paju.
We boarded the bus at the Unjeong Happiness Center bus stop and the parking lot of the Paju Stadium.
I boarded the bus at the Unjeong Happiness Center, where we checked attendance and received supplies, including pencils, booklets on Yulgok and Ugyo, and hot packs in case it got cold.
With name tags around our necks, the exploration began!
At Paju Stadium, participants boarded, and the staff and guide introduced themselves, explaining the exploration program in detail.
The name Paju means "hill" or "slope," and it is said to have been named for the many hills in the area.
On the way to Pasan Seowon, we saw a large pond by the roadside, which is not artificial but a natural pond that has existed since the Goryeo Dynasty.
This pond is said to be where the ancestor of the Papyung Yoon clan was born.
The term "birth" refers to the emergence of great figures, often used to describe the births of kings, saints, and ancestors.
Upon arriving at Pasan Seowon, we got off the bus and walked inside.
The entrance features a stone that signifies respect, reminding everyone, regardless of status, to dismount and enter respectfully.
Seowon, a concept similar to local private schools, was where education occurred in the front and rituals were held in the back.
We learned about the significance of Pasan Seowon, one of the 47 remaining seowon after the abolition decree by Heungseon Daewongun, who closed over a thousand.
The seowon houses the remains of Ugyo Seong Hon, his father, uncle, and a friend who was also his teacher.
Next, we visited Yulgok-ri Village and Hwasokjeong, where legends say a thousand chestnut trees were planted, leading to the name Yulgok for Yi I.
Although he was born in Gangneung, he grew up in Paju Yulgok-ri.
After exploring Hwasokjeong, we enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared for us.
The warm side dishes and soup were truly delightful.
After lunch, we visited Ugyo Seong Hon's grave and learned about the combined grave of his parents.
We also stopped by the Ugyo Memorial Hall, gaining a deeper appreciation for the scholarly achievements of Yi I and Ugyo Seong Hon.
Finally, we visited the Yulgok historical site, where we learned about the family burial grounds and Jaun Seowon.
The journey ended with a traditional tea ceremony experience, where we learned to serve tea with care and mindfulness.
This exploration was filled with fun, meaning, learning, and relaxation, allowing us to rediscover the historical significance of Paju.
If you have the chance, I highly recommend participating in the upcoming humanities explorations!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/paju_si/224237933670
No comments yet.
