[New Book] 'The Man Who Turned a Mountain into a River': Changsan Jeon Gwangho, A Biography

'Changsan Jeon Gwangho: A Biography' (written by Ryu Mansang, published by Dasarang Publishing) chronicles the life of Jeon Gwangho, also known as Changsan, who was born in 1922 as the son of a farmer in Seokseong-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungnam. In a context where local history research is scarce, this book presents the case of an ordinary person who transformed his community through a passionate love for his hometown, relentless challenges, and an indomitable will. It is a true story of "piercing a mountain to channel a river," protecting residents from floods and providing a lifeline for farmers.

Having suffered from the flooding of the Geumgang River in his childhood, Jeon Gwangho, in his teenage years, dreamed of overcoming flood damage in three cities and counties (Buyeo, Nonsan, Gongju) and six townships (Seokseong, Chochon, Tancheon, Noseong, Gwangseok, Seongdong) along the Seokseongcheon basin. In 1956, at the age of 35, he was elected chairman of the Seokseong-myeon council. To realize his long-held dream, he rallied local residents and submitted countless petitions and proposals to local governments, the central government, and the National Assembly. Finally, in March 1960, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Seokseongcheon straightening project was held. He also proposed the construction of the Bongjeongje embankment, stretching 3 kilometers along the Geumgang River in Bongjeong-ri, which was completed at the end of 1984.

Furthermore, the installation of the Bongjeong pumping station at the foot of Pajinsan and the establishment of the Changri drainage station (completed in October 1991) were made possible thanks to his efforts. The book refers to these four projects as Jeon Gwangho's "four major achievements." Through these projects, both flood and drought issues in the Seokseong area were resolved. These results were produced by the struggle of one individual determined to protect residents suffering from natural disasters.

This is a photo of Jeon Gwangho from Changsang during his lifetime. Provided by Jeon Youngseung

Author Ryu Mansang, who visited the sites dozens of times and collected various materials for his writing, said, "Jeon Gwangho, who lived his entire life as a farmer, fought against water more desperately than anyone else, and also loved water. He was someone who understood and loved everything we must struggle against. I wanted to write the story of how he ultimately mastered and controlled the water."

In March 1992, residents of the six townships along the Seokseongcheon basin erected a monument in Jeungsan-ri, Seokseong-myeon, to honor Jeon Gwangho's achievements and pass them on to future generations. This book, which vividly depicts the life of a man who transformed his community through sheer passion, prompts readers to reflect on how we should live our lives and where to find the meaning of life.