Classification and Significance of the Rock Inscriptions in Hwasan-dong, Cheongdo

The etymology of Cheongdo originates from the phrase “mountains and streams are clear and beautiful, and the great roads connect in all directions”(⼭川淸麗 大道四通). The rock inscriptions located at San 68-32, Dongcheon-ri, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, epitomize this essence, reflecting the pristine and beautiful natural scenery that defines Cheongdo. The timing, circumstances and writers of the production of rock inscriptions can be found through Jeong Ha-eon(鄭夏彦, 1702~1769)'s inscription on Okjeongam(玉井巖) in Hwasan-dong, remarks left by Lee Kwan-yong(李觀瑢), who engraved the text on the Chuam in 1838, and Kwon Sang-gyu(權相奎, 1829~1894)'s ｢Yuokjeongdonggi(遊玉井洞記)｣ The naming of the twelve spots－Hwasandongmun (華⼭洞門), Baekseoknae (白石瀨), Jilyangseok (叱羊石), Jasiyuinbulsangnae (自是遊人不上來), Ungumcheon (雲錦川), Manokdae (萬玉臺), Yeonjudan (聯珠湍), Yuhadam (流霞潭), Ilgamdang (⼀鑑塘), Yonghang (⿓吭), Okjeongam (玉井巖), Nakanbong (落雁峯)－was named by Lee Hyeop (李埉), the calligraphy was written by Jeong Ha-eon (鄭夏彦), and they were engraved in 1742. Through their efforts, a new scenic spot called Okjeongam (玉井巖) was formed in Hwasan-dong in the 18th century. In the 19th century, literati from Cheongdo held poetry gatherings in this area, establishing it as a space for cultural exchange and refined enjoyment. The total of 32 rock inscriptions carved on the rocks and cliffs of Hwasan-dong can be classified into three groups: 12 inscriptions by Lee Hyeop and Jeong Ha-eon centered around Okjeongam, 15 inscriptions by Cheongdo literati centered around Chuiam and Sansujeong, and 5 inscriptions whose authors have not been identified. The philosophy revealed in the rock inscriptions shows a mixture of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, emphasizing the aspiration toward the realm of immortals (仙界) through the transcendence of the mundane world.