E2024-G018
Gasa Cultural Region: Where Nature and Poetry Meet
Narrative
Gasa is a form of classical Korean verse that originated in the late period of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) and was refined by Confucian scholars during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). These lyrical poems often express a scholar’s desire to retreat from a troubled world and cultivate the mind in harmony with nature.
The area surrounding Mudeungsan Mountain in Gwangju and nearby Damyang is known as the Gasa Cultural Region, where this poetic tradition flourished. It is here that scholars composed gasa works in the tranquil settings of local pavilions. Yang San-bo (1503-1557) created Soswaewon Garden and Kim Seong-won (1525-1597) built established Sigyeongjeong Pavilion for his father-in-law Im Eok-ryeong (1496-1568)—all of which became important centers for gasa composition.
The tradition reached its peak with Jeong Cheol (1536–1593), who wrote Sa miingok (Hymn of Constancy), Sok miingok (Continued Hymn of Constancy), and Seongsan byeolgok (Little Odes on Mount Star) while staying in the Damyang area. These works reflect the introspective spirit of literati who found creative inspiration in the natural beauty surrounding them.
Today, the legacy of this tradition is preserved and shared at the Korea Gasa Literature Hall, an exhibition center that introduces the history, themes, and creators of gasa literature.
Network Graph
