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Jukgye Gugok Valley is famous for “Jukgye Byeolgok,” a song composed by An Chuk, a renowned sage and writer during the late-Goryeo Dynasty period, and it was also frequented by renowned Confucian scholars during the Joseon Dynasty period, such as Yi Hwang and Ju Se-bung.
- Address : Baejeom-ri, Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Overview
Jukgye Gugok, known for its clear water and intriguing rock formations stretching from Sobaeksan Mountain's dense forest, has nine valleys, the first of which starts from Choamsa Temple. Its scenery will give you a chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful natural environment, and a taste of what ancient Korean scholars would have felt and enjoyed at Jukgye Gugok.
It is believed that Yi Hwang (pen name: Toegye) was so fascinated by the beautiful scenery of the valleys and remarked that the sound of the flowing water felt more like a song. Thus, he gave each valley a suitable name, and called it Jukgye Gugok. If you travel further down the Valley, you will come across the historic Sosu Seowon Confucian Academy, which was the first-ever private academy in Korea.