Cheonyangjeong Archery Pavilion

About this place

Cheonyangjeong is a pavilion built at an archery range (hwalto) for archery practice by Joseon-era idle gentlemen (hanryang). Originally built in 1712 (the 38th year of King Sukjong) on the western bank of the Dagacheon stream, it was swept away in a flood shortly afterward. Later, in 1722 (the 2nd year of King Gyeongjong), a pavilion called Dagajeong (多佳亭) was built at the foot of Dagasan hill and used as an archery range. In 1830 (the 30th year of King Sunjo), another pavilion was built on the same site and named Cheonyangjeong after the original. The north-facing Dagajeong was then used exclusively by young gentlemen, while the south-facing Cheonyangjeong, nestled in a secluded valley, was primarily used by the elderly. The name Cheonyangjeong (穿楊) means to pierce a willow leaf with an arrow — a phrase derived from a story about the founder of the Joseon dynasty, Taejo Yi Seonggye, who was celebrated for his miraculous archery skill.