Sinan County's Jido Duryudan Altar and Rock Inscriptions Designated as Jeollanam-do Monuments

Duryudan Altar and Rock Inscriptions in Sinan County
Designated as Jeollanam-do Cultural Monuments
Honoring the Spirit of Confucian Resistance and Independence

The rock inscriptions carved on the summit rocks of Duryusan Mountain in Sinan County will be designated as a cultural monument by Jeollanam-do. Photo by Sinan County

The Jido Duryudan Altar and rock inscriptions, which are anti-Japanese independence heritage sites in Sinan County, Jeollanam-do, will be officially designated and announced as cultural monuments by Jeollanam-do on August 14.

Duryudan, located at the summit of Duryusan in Gamjeong-ri, Jido-eup, is a historic site that reflects the late Joseon era's Righteous Army movement, Confucian resistance, and the succession of modern Confucian scholarship. The site also preserves rock inscriptions by Kim Pyeongmuk, a prominent Righteous Army thinker known as Jungam.

Duryudan is an altar established to honor five Confucian scholars from the Honam region-Lee Hangno, Gi Jeongjin, Kim Pyeongmuk, Choi Ikhyeon, and Na Yooyoung. Every year, a ritual ceremony is held at the altar, organized by Jido Hyanggyo, according to the lunar calendar in September.

There are four surviving rock inscriptions on the summit of Duryusan: ▲ 'Jungam Yutak' ▲ 'Daemyeong Ilwol Sohwagangsan' ▲ 'Jugi Jangye Jeongil Jujik' ▲ 'Jijae Yeoun.' These inscriptions commemorate the spirit of Confucian resistance upheld by Kim Pyeongmuk and his disciples.

Kim Daein, acting governor of Sinan County, stated, "On the 80th anniversary of Liberation, the designation of Duryudan and the rock inscriptions, which embody the spirit of resistance against Japanese rule, as provincial cultural heritage has strengthened the historical pride of our residents. We will systematically preserve and utilize these heritage sites so that local residents can fully appreciate their value."