Jeong Yak-yong’s 10 Years at the End of a 700 m Ascent on Mandeoksan Mountain: Dasan Chodang in Gangjin

The Foothills of Mandeoksan Where Exile Became Scholarship, from Spring 1808 to September 1818

Dasan Chodang stands at 68-35 Dasan Chodang-gil, Doam-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, on the foothills of Mandeoksan overlooking Gangjin Bay. After beginning his exile in 1801, Jeong Yak-yong (1762–1836) moved here in spring 1808 after staying at an inn outside the eastern gate of Gangjin-eup, Boseonsanbang at Goseongsa Temple, and the home of his student Yi Hak-rae. He spent approximately 10 years here until his exile ended in September 1818.

During this period, Jeong Yak-yong taught students and concentrated on completing works of late Joseon Silhak scholarship. Local information explains that more than 500 works, including Mokminsimseo, Gyeongseyupyo, and Heumheumsinseo, are connected with this site, which was designated Historic Site No. 107 on January 21, 1963. The Chodang seen today was restored in 1957 after the old structure collapsed from deterioration; Dongam and Seoam were also restored later.

Four Easy-to-Miss Sites Within Historic Site No. 107: Jeongseok, Yakcheon, Dajo, and Yeonjiseoksan

Rather than seeing only the Chodang building and leaving, it is better to look for the four sites collectively known as the “Four Scenic Views of Dasan,” in order. They are Jeongseok Rock, engraved with the two Chinese characters “丁石” by Jeong Yak-yong; Yakcheon, a spring; Dajo, where tea was brewed with water from Yakcheon; and Yeonjiseoksan, a rock garden made by piling stones inside a pond.

Cheonilgak is also included along the route. This pavilion is introduced as a place where Jeong Yak-yong soothed his worries, and together with Chodang, Dongam, and Seoam, it helps visitors understand the layout of the living quarters of that time. Since the visit focuses more on finding outdoor remains scattered among rocks, springs, and ponds than on viewing large indoor exhibitions, nonslip shoes are preferable just after rain or on days when fallen leaves have accumulated.

Free Admission from 09:00 to 18:00; Arrange Group Information in Advance at 061-430-3911

Dasan Chodang is open year-round from 09:00 to 18:00, with no regular closing days, and both admission and parking are free. The inquiry telephone number is 061-430-3911, and the information website is https://www.gangjin.go.kr/culture. There is no need to allow time for ticketing queues, but it is safer to leave enough time before 18:00 to return from the mountain path to the parking lot.

Korean-language commentary can be requested by groups of 10 or more by calling 061-430-3349 up to 10 days before the visit. Since the regular availability of foreign-language information has not been confirmed, individual foreign travelers may find it practical to save the names “Jeong Yak-yong” and “Four Scenic Views of Dasan” in advance or visit the Dasan Museum as well to supplement the historical background.

• Hours: Year-round, 09:00–18:00
• Closing days: Open year-round
• Admission: Free
• Inquiries: 061-430-3911
• Group Korean-language commentary: 10 or more people, apply 10 days in advance, 061-430-3349

A 700 m Walk from the Free Parking Lot to Chodang: Walking Shoes Are More Useful Than a Stroller

Visitors arriving by car can use the free parking lot approximately 700 m from the entrance road to Dasan Chodang. There is an uphill mountain path between the parking lot and Chodang, and guide materials generally describe the walk as taking about 10–15 minutes. However, allowing 15–20 minutes each way, or 30–40 minutes round trip, makes the schedule less rushed when time for photography and adjusting to the incline is included.

We were unable to confirm reliable, up-to-date official information on bus routes, stops, or walking times. When visiting several attractions in Gangjin-eup or the Dasan Museum area on the same day, a private car or taxi is practical. Since there are stairs and sloped sections between the parking lot and Chodang, the route may not be suitable for independent wheelchair or stroller access. Restrooms are available at the historic site.

1 km to Baengnyeonsa, About 40 Minutes on Foot: Linking the Hyejang–Jeong Yak-yong Route into a Day Itinerary

If time and energy permit, visitors can combine the Mandeoksan forest path from Dasan Chodang to Baengnyeonsa. The distance between the two sites is about 1 km, and the National Heritage information states that the walk takes approximately 40 minutes. Including Baengnyeonsa, it is appropriate to allow at least about 2 hours and 30 minutes for 40–60 minutes at Chodang, 40 minutes each way on the forest path, and time to visit Baengnyeonsa.

This path is described in the context of exchanges between Jeong Yak-yong and Buddhist monk Hyejang of Baengnyeonsa, who traveled back and forth along it. Baengnyeonsa is a nearby attraction listed as 1.3 km from Dasan Chodang, and the Mandeoksan area preserves tea and camellia forests, Buddhist remains, and sites connected with Jeong Yak-yong. In 2025, it was introduced as the Scenic Site “Baengnyeonsa Temple and Dasan Chodang Area in Mandeoksan, Gangjin.” Many visitors add Baengnyeonsa’s camellia forest in spring, but the forest path is best suited to those prepared with walking shoes and plenty of water.

Whether to Add the 2 km to the Dasan Museum or Finish Only Chodang and Baengnyeonsa in Two and a Half Hours

The Dasan Museum is introduced as approximately 2 km from Dasan Chodang via the trail, or about one hour on foot. If you would like to first understand Dasan’s life in exile and writings through exhibitions, use the museum as the starting point and allow a total of 3–4 hours for a day that includes Chodang and Baengnyeonsa.

Conversely, on a short itinerary, it is possible to walk round trip from the free parking lot to Chodang and see the Four Scenic Views of Dasan and Cheonilgak in about one hour. For travelers who find the mountain path’s incline burdensome or have limited travel time, focusing on the Chodang section is preferable to taking the round-trip forest path to Baengnyeonsa. The Dasan Museum is a separate facility from Dasan Chodang, so its hours, closing days, and admission requirements must be checked separately.