Nongwoljeong

Nongwoljeong Pavilion stands in the Hwarimdong Valley, Aneui-myeon, Hamyang-gu, Gyeongnam. Hwarimdong is 4km apart from Aneui to Jangsu on National Road No. 26. The valley makes a scenic view matched with clean water and old pine trees. The stream Geumcheon rises from 1,580m high Mt. Deokyusa, passes Seongsang and Seoha, and makes deep ponds on both sides. Hwarimdong Valley has been called 'a thesaurus of pavilion culture' as it had eight ponds and 8 pavilions. There still remain 4 antique pavilions; Geoyeon-jeong, Gunja-jeong, Dongho-jeong, and Nongwol-jeong. Nongwol-jeong, meaning playing moon, was the place where our ancestors sought after a poetic and refined life. It is still the most favorite place for the poets and calligraphers visiting Hamyang. Nongwoljeong is the best spot in Hwarimdong Valley. The pine tree forest on both slopes of the valley look like a Gemungo(Korean musical instrument) plucking its strings. Drooping willows look like thousands of fishing strings hanging down the stream. Where clean water makes a steep curve lies a large flat rock named Wolyeonam. The water flowing on this rock makes a golden wave. This is where Nongwoljeong stands as if it plays the moon. Wolyeonam is too big to measure its size. Waters flow rapidly on this rock and made deep curves along the waterways.

The scenery of naughty kids playing in the water and the landscape behind kids makes a catching oriental painting. Nongwoljeong is an octagonal pavilion of 3-kan in the front and 2-kan in the side with the railings to sit on or lean against. Hwarim Valley, 40-ri along the National Road No.26, presents an impressing view of Changin Tourism Farm, Dongho-jeong, Nongae's tomb, Deokyu Institution, and Mt. Hwangseoksan, Gwoegwansa, Deokyusan. A famous official of the Joseon Dynasty, Jijokdang Park Myeongbu stayed here after he retired and inscribed the words "the place where Jijokdang strolled with his cane" on Wolyeonam Rock. Convenient facilities has been built since 1993. Now there's no more inconvenience in the accommodations like camping and homestay. The big camping site(2,000pyeong) is built on the sandy land. So it is well drained on rainy days. Camping in a rain will give a special memory. The pavilion is now easy to assess as they completed a connecting bridge(L=88m) and a walking trail with a big revenue(530 million won) in 2002. The special dishes in Hwarindong include Deodeok roast(Codonopsis lanceolata), boiled chicken, and Megi Maeuntang(catfish spicy soup), which reminds the taste of one's hometown. Nongwoljeong is still under development as a national tourist attraction. Summer visitors are increasing year by year.