[Uiryeong County, Gyeongnam] #1. A stroll through Uiryeong County

[Uiryeong County, Gyeongnam] #1. A stroll through Uiryeong County One of the key features of Uiryeong County every visitor can’t forget is the dreamy rain-fog that blankets Uiryeong Stream. Other tourist-attractions that have long been popular among locals living in different cities are the pedestrian overpass, Chungik Shrine and Deokgok Confucian Academy. And the greatest part about these picks is that you don’t have to waste your time on the road because all are quite close from each other. <Uiryeong Stream seen from the pedestrian overpass.> ▶The Uiyreong pedestrian overpass, a heart-strangling moment over the Uiryeong Stream The Uiryeong pedestrian overpass is a Y-shaped bridge that connects a park, a rest area and a hiking trail. The bridge shakes in all directions when adding force, which is why it’s also called a “shake bridge.” At the center of the bridge, there’s a small pavilion where people can see a better view of the surroundings. As legend goes, the bridge brings fortune to people who face the east side of the pavilion during sun rise. What may seem far-fetched at first sounds more realistic, though, when knowing that Uiryeong is the home town of some the richest businessmen in Korea, including the CEOs of Samsung, LG and Hyosung. <Pictures of the Uiryeong pedestrian overpass and a hiking trail in Subyeon Park.> If you walk down towards Subyeon Park, you will see numerous cafes and hiking trails. Coffee shops also sell petite souvenirs, and the hiking trails make a wonderful place to relax. An entire scene of Uiryeong Stream, Subyeon Park and the pedestrian overpass is seen from here as well. ▶Chungik Shrine Chungik Shrine, located just a few steps away from Subyeon Park, is a patriotic hall that honors General Gwak Jae-u (1552-1617), a Korean military general who organized a militia to fight against Japan. Beside the shrine is a memorial hall that displays relics of the soldiers who fought alongside General Gwak and a 27-meter army tower. Natural features include a 500-year-old quince and other various trees that have all taken its part in making Chungik Shrine one of the nine main sceneries of Uiryeong. <Chungik Shrine is one of Uiryeong’s nine main sceneries, where visitors can learn more about Korean history.> ▶Deokgok Confucian Academy, the elegance of hanok Located across Chungik Shrine, just a few meters away, is Deokgok Confucian Academy, which dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The academy was somewhat like a private university back then, which taught the ethical and philosophical system of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BCE). Deokgok Confucian Academy is also a shrine where visitors honor ancient sages who have left behind teachings of wisdom. A memorial service is held every three months at the establishment. Cultural experience programs aren’t provided at the Deokgok Confucian Academy, but foreigners who are unaware of Korea’s late seonbi culture can get a glimpse of how “virtuous scholars” in the past dominated Korean society through wealth and intelligence.   <Walking through Deokgok Confucian Academy, one’s heart will feel at ease.> ※ Relevant information ▶Pedestrian overpass (Gureumdari) Address: Seodong-ri, Uiryeong-eup, Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam ▶ Chungik Shrine Address: 467-2 Jungdong-ri, Uiryeong-eup, Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam Contact: 055-573-2629 ▶Deokgok Confucian Academy Address: 621 Ha-ri, Uiryeong-eup, Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam Contact: 055-570-2400 ▶Uiryeong cultural tour Homepage: http://tour.uiryeong.go.kr Contact: 055-570-2440