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Bongsan Culture Street - A Street of Culture at the foot of Mt.Yeon-gui

Geobuk Bawi (Turtle Rock)

There are two different theories about the origin of Geobuk Bawi, or the Turtle Rock. One of the notions appears in the old history book of ‘Shin Dongukyeojiseungram.’ According to what this book says, when the city was first made more than a thousand years ago, it was said the spirits of the earth that flew from the North to the South was scattering at this very location. So, to stack up the earth’s spirits, they built the stone turtle, contributing to the mountain’s being called as ‘Yeon Gui San.’ The other theory is that the current location of the rock, which is in the middle of Chaeil Woman’s Junior High School, used to be a shamanic place where they gave rituals to invite rains. At that time, there were many fires in Daegu so that they built a stone turtle, which was believe to have the power to suppress the fire on the top of Yeon Gui San.

Geondul Bawi (Rocking Rock)

This rock well describes the geographical characteristics of Daegu as a basin alongside with the cliffs right next to it. As it resembles an old man with a satgat (a triangular Korean hat), it is also called as Satgat Bawi. There used to a creek next to it where it was possible to enjoy fishing and clean water. The local government is now adding more attractions to the place, such as an artificial waterfall and water fountains.

Bongsan Culture Hall

This places is often compared to Insa-dong of Seoul as the main place of art in Daegu. It began to form as a location of culture sine middle 80s. Bongsan Pottery Festival is held every April with Bongsan Art Fair held every October. Later in 2004, to satisfy the cultural needs of the citizens, Bongsan Culture Hall also opened. The district office is on ‘Bongsan Culture Street Rehabilitation Project,’ further elevating the significance of the area as the Mecca of art and culture in the city.

Songadang Gallery

This is the oldest art gallery on the street, which opened on May 1980.

Jungang Gallery

Current head of the Bongsan Cultural Association runs this gallery.

Plank House

The neighborhood was formed by the Korean War refugees who settled down where they fled to during 60s. The houses of wood planks are located along the skyline on the ridges of Yeon Gui San, with the appearance as the refugee’s settlement still well preserved.

Monument of Lee In Sung (Painter)

Lee In Sung, who was born in 1912 is still considered as the most significant figure of his age in art. He contributed to the Post Impressionism’s settling down in Korean art community by his use of unique Koreanized yellow color in his works. Bongsan Culture Street itself, in fact, was first built in memory of his achievements and contributions in modern art history. The monument was initially set up at 56, Taepyong-ro 3rd St., where he was known to be born. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism moved the monument to its current position in celebration of ‘the Year of Art-1995.’ You may see more of his works at his memorial website, (http://www.leeinsung.com) including his painting of Gyesan Church in 1930s.