Nakhwaam Rock
Chungcheongnam-do
Nakhwaam Rock is a prominent granite cliff located on Busosan Mountain in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. It is historically significant as the site tied to a poignant legend from 660 AD, when the Baekje kingdom's capital, Sabi, fell to the allied forces of Silla and Tang China. According to tradition, about 3,000 palace maidens chose to leap from this cliff into the Baekma River below to avoid capture. Although the exact number and event are debated by historians due to spatial constraints of the cliff, the legend remains a powerful symbol of loyalty and tragedy. In 1929, a hexagonal pavilion named Baekhwajeong was constructed atop the cliff to honor the memory of these maidens. The cliff bears an inscription of its name, carved in calligraphy by the noted scholar Song Si-yeol (1607-1689). Nakhwaam Rock is part of the broader cultural heritage of the Baekje Historic Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage site that celebrates the architectural and cultural achievements of the Baekje kingdom, which thrived from 18 BC to 660 AD. The site offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and deep historical resonance, with the cliff's dramatic drop overlooking the river adding to its evocative atmosphere.
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Tip: The best time to visit Nakhwaam Rock is during spring when the surrounding scenery is vibrant and the weather is mild. Visitors should consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. While there is no entrance fee, it is recommended to check local opening hours and consider guided tours for enriched historical context. Modest discounts may be available for students and seniors at nearby cultural sites. Booking guided tours in advance can enhance the experience by providing detailed insights into Baekje history and the legend associated with the rock.
Interesting facts
- •Nakhwaam Rock is designated as Cultural Heritage Material No. 110 by Chungcheongnam-do since 1984.
- •The cliff is associated with the legend of 3,000 Baekje palace maidens who chose death over capture during the fall of Sabi in 660 AD.
- •The name 'Nakhwaam' means 'Falling Flower Rock,' symbolizing the tragic fate of the maidens.
- •The inscription on the cliff was carved by Song Si-yeol, a prominent 17th-century Korean scholar.
- •The legend of the maidens first appeared in written form in the Samguk Yusa, a 13th-century collection of Korean historical tales, though the exact event is debated by historians.
History
Nakhwaam Rock is historically linked to the fall of the Baekje kingdom's capital, Sabi, in 660 AD during an invasion by the allied Silla and Tang forces.
The legend of the 3,000 palace maidens who leapt from the cliff to avoid capture emerged in later historical texts and folklore, though the exact number and circumstances are debated.
The name 'Nakhwaam' appears in historical records from the Goryeo period, and the site was formally commemorated with the construction of Baekhwajeong pavilion in 1929.
The rock and its associated stories have been preserved as cultural heritage, reflecting the tragic end of Baekje and the enduring legacy of loyalty and sacrifice.
Place Guide
Baekhwajeong Pavilion1929
A hexagonal pavilion built in 1929 atop Nakhwaam Rock to commemorate the palace maidens who perished. It offers a scenic viewpoint over the Baekma River and surrounding landscape.
Nakhwaam Cliff Inscription17th century
The name 'Nakhwaam' is carved into the rock face in calligraphy by Song Si-yeol, a renowned Korean scholar from the 17th century, adding cultural and historical significance to the site.
Contact
Phone: 041-830-2884
