Chungnyeolsa Shrine

Even though there is a well-known photo spot such as Seoporu in Seopirang, it was less known than Donpirang. In the past, Seopirang was one of the most underdeveloped areas along with Dongpirang, but it has risen rapidly as a tourist destination after undergoing a transformation. There are small and large artworks made by the residents in every nook and cranny, and there are many places to visit including Seopirang Story Tunnel, Monument to Baekseok, and the Birth Home of Lady Gong Deok-gwi. Artists drawing a painting with a brush in hand can easily be spotted at Seopirang. The lower village of Seopirang is the birthplace of Park Kyong-ni who wrote the famous novel Toji (“The Land”), as well as the main background for Kim’s Daughters, another famous novel wrote by Park. Seomungogae, Ganchangol, and Myeongjeongsaem, which are places described in the novel, are located here, making Seopirang the village of literature. The village is still developing as a literature village by hosting the “Park Gyeog-ni Literature Village, Seopirang Alley Tour,” thereby attracting many visitors across the nation.

Chungnyeolsa Shrine was built to commemorate Admiral Yi Sun-sin's loyalty and brilliant exploits. In 1606, this divine place was constructed following the order of the king during the 39th year of King Seonjo's reign (1606) by the 7th commander-in-chief Lee Woon-yong. In 1663, the 4th year of King Hyeonjong's reign, a plaque was bestowed along with Chungnyeolsa Temple in Namhae. Hongsalmun, or the Spiked Red Gate, to commemorate the shrine of only second-class or higher officials, is located within the place, showing its authority. There is a hall and relic exhibition hall housing a memorial tablet of General Yi inside. Eight Gifts from Ming Emperor, which are national treasures of Korea, and other cultural assets are displayed here. The shrine regularly holds ancestral rites in February and August of the lunar calendar as well as during the birthday of General Yi and the Hansan Battle Festival. Goyuje, meaning the rite to report an event to gods, is held to notice the beginning of the festival to the spirit of General Yi Sun-sin. Seungjeonmu (Victory Dance), a local dance of Tongyeong, is performed as well during the rite. It contains the meaning of commemorating the victory of Admiral Yi and praising his virtues and loyalty.