Friday, July 17, 2009

pavilion & forest

Jain 자인 is a small and peaceful village to the east of Gyeongsan. It has a well-preserved natural forest called Gyejeong 계정. During Joseon dynasty, local residents used to lay memorial stone for the former governor after he finished his term and left his post, The memorial stones for the former governors in Jain are lined up at the entrance of Gyejung. The stones usually say that local residents expressed their gratitude for the former governors' commitment to fairness and justice during his term. The sub-county office pavilion built during Joseon dynasty is also located on the hill of the forest. It was moved from the place where it was first built in Jain area. This photo shows the view from behind the pavilion.

Gyejeong is also the place where Jain 자인 Dano 단오 General Han 한장군 Cultural Festival 놀이 is celebrated annually on May 5th of the lunar calendar. It is unique that the historical story of General Han who defeated Japanese pirates molesting the villagers in this region about one thousand years ago was made into the play, which was mixed with traditional 단오제 Danoje, Dano festival. Dano traditionally marks the beginning of summer, when rites of wishing for an abundant harvest for the year following planting in the spring were held. After General Han drove them away, he became a patron of Jain, villagers built a shrine in memory of him and traditional ceremonies have been held in every Dano festival. His grave is in the middle of the forest.