Jawondae Rock, Buyeo

About this place

Jawondae is a 20-metre-high rock located south of the old ferry landing at Gyuam-myeon, Buyeo. The name comes from the legend that the rock warmed of its own accord (jawon, 自溫: 'self-warming') when Baekje King Uija was on his way to pray at a temple in winter. The inscription '自溫臺 (Jawondae)' carved on the upper surface of the rock is said to have been personally engraved by the Joseon-era scholar Uam Song Siyeol. The rock is also known by another name, Gyuam Ferry Landing (Gyuam Naruteo). Immediately below Jawondae, ferries once operated from the riverside, which served as a commercial hub around the time of independence. The scenery at Jawondae is beautiful, with a sheer cliff rising from the bank of the Baengma River.