E2024-G113

Monuments to Jeong Eom and His Faithful Dog

Narrative

The Commemorative Pavilion of Jeong Eom for his Filial Devotion honors the civil official Jeong Eom (1528-1580; pen name: Yangchon) of the Joseon period (1392-1910). It is located in Yangnim Village. Yangchon-gil Street, located in the village, is named after Jeong Eom.

Jeong Eom passed the civil service examination in 1558 and went on to serve in various official posts. He participated in the compilation of the Annals of King Myeongjong (r. 1534-1567) and also served as the magistrate of Namwon and Naju, becoming well known for his benevolence toward the people. When his mother fell ill in 1574, he volunteered to serve as magistrate of Naju to be near her. He did his upmost to provide her with medicine and take good care of her. However, she ultimately passed away in 1579. Jeong himself died the following year of heartbreak. Jeong was posthumously promoted to the post of inspector-general in 1611 and bestowed a commemoration by the government for his filial piety. The current stele was newly erected in 1975 by his descendants.

In front of the commemorative pavilion is a stone monument honoring Jeong's clever and faithful dog, who is said to have served as a courier for Jeong's letters by carrying the documents in a pouch around her neck, travelling to far away local governments such as Hanyang (today's Seoul) and Pyeongyang on his behalf. On her way back from Hanyang, she is said to have given birth to nine pups under the bridge of a river in Jeonju. After bringing them home, she is said to have collapsed and died from exhaustion. There is also an animation based on the story of the Jeong's faithful dog, with the main character named Donggaebi.