Gokseong Dangunjeon

Located by the Yeonguncheon stream in Gokseong-eup, this is a shrine enshrining the portrait of Dangun Wanggeom, the founder of Korea. This shrine was built as a thatched-roof Dangunjeon in secret from the Japanese by teacher Baekdang Shin Tae-yoon of Gokseong Public School, who led the Manse Movement in Gokseong during the March 1st Movement after his appointment in 1909. Even under Japanese colonial rule, residents gathered here on Gaecheonjeol to hold ceremonies and pray for national independence. The building has a gable roof with 3 front bays and 2 side bays, with lotus flowers and buds carved on the ikgong (bracket sets), and the bo-meori (beam ends) are ornately decorated in the shape of a phoenix head. Every year on October 3rd (Gaecheonjeol) and March 15th (Eocheonjeol), ancestral rites are held for Dangun Seongjo. This is a place where patriotic comrades were gathered and unity was pledged for independence from Japan. Within the grounds, there is a March 1st Movement Monument and the Baekdang Memorial Hall, dedicated to its founder. Teacher Baekdang Shin Tae-yoon, during the Gimi year (1919) March 1st Movement, shouted 'Daehan Dongnip Manse' (Long Live Korean Independence) with many townspeople and students, was arrested by Japanese police, sentenced to 2 years in prison, and incarcerated in Daegu Prison. It was designated as National Registered Cultural Property No. 228 of the Republic of Korea in December 2005. Gokseong Hyanggyo is located 2.2 km away, a 5-minute drive.