Hwoingtang Pavilion
Hwoingtang Pavilion (횡탄정; map; Hoengtanjeong) sits on the banks of the Seomjin River in the quiet village of Noyon in Gokseong County. This traditional Korean pavilion is celebrated for its striking natural surroundings and historical lineage.
The pavilion is also home to the Hwoingtang Certification Center, a stamp booth on the Seomjingang Bike Path.
History
Hwoingtang Pavilion began as a gathering space. Its name, which translates to “Pavilion by the Rapids,” describes its location near the Seomjin River’s stronger currents.
Historically, spaces like Hwoingtang Pavilion were frequented by scholars and poets, who used these serene environments to compose verse, discuss philosophical ideas, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature. This tradition links the pavilion to Korea’s broader cultural practices of finding harmony between human structures and the natural world.
The pavilion was destroyed during invasions and occupations, but was restored in 1887 by the descendants of its original builders. The restoration maintained the architectural integrity of its single-story, hipped-and-gabled design, which is emblematic of traditional Korean pavilions.
The nearby rock carvings, including inscriptions like Boindae (輔仁臺) and Samikdae (三益臺), believed to be the work of earlier scholars or community leaders, underscore the pavilion’s cultural depth.
Hwoingtang Pavilion provides unobstructed, panoramic views of the Seomjin River, where the waterway bends gracefully through the landscape, framed by rugged rock formations and lush vegetation.
Practical Information
- Location: Noyon-ri, Gokseong-gun, South Jeolla Province
- Key Feature: Hwoingtang Certification Center
- Accessibility: Easily reachable via the Seomjingang Bike Path or by car through Gokseong. Nearby parking is available in public lots.
- Seasonal Appeal: Best visited during spring or autumn when the surrounding landscapes are at their most vivid.
