Pangwandae

This is the place where the legendary conception of Yulgok Yi I took place. While Yi Won-su, the father of Yulgok, was serving as the Suun Pangwan (a maritime transport official) in Incheon, he was on his way back to his main residence in Gangneung during his spare time. As it grew dark, he stayed here for a night, and it is said that Yulgok was conceived that night.

Yulgok Yi I learned academics from his mother from a young age and passed the preliminary civil service examination (Jinsa) in 1548 (the 3rd year of King Myeongjong's reign) at the age of 13. He also wrote a policy paper titled 'Cheondochaek' and won first place in a special examination (Byeolsi). He won first place in all nine state examinations he took, earning the title 'Gudo Jangwongong' (the one who won first place nine times). At the age of 33, he served as a deputy editor (Bugyori) and concurrently as a historian for the Spring and Autumn Office, participating in the compilation of the 'Annals of King Myeongjong'. At 34, he wrote and presented the 'Dongho Mundap' (a dialogue on governance). At 47, he was appointed as the Minister of Personnel (Ijo Panseo), and at 48, he presented the 'Simu Yukjo' (Six Urgent Matters) and proposed the training of 100,000 soldiers. He passed away at the age of 49 in Daesadong, Seoul, and was buried in the family grave site at Jauunsan, Paju.