Gyeongsangbuk-do, ‘5th Toegye Teacher’s Last Homecoming Reenactment Event’ concludes 14-day journey

Gyeongsangbuk-do held a closing ceremony at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, following a walk on the final section of the ‘Toegye Teacher’s Last Homecoming Reenactment Event.’

At this year’s 5th reenactment event of Toegye’s final homecoming, a reenactment group of about 80 people followed in Toegye’s footsteps, departing from Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul on the 12th and walking through five provinces to Dosan Seowon in Andong on the 25th. It was a meaningful occasion to reflect on the true meaning of .

Attending the event were Gyeongbuk Province Governor Kim Hak-hong, Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang, Gyeongbuk Cultural Foundation CEO Kim Jae-soo, Korea Spiritual Culture Foundation CEO, Dosan Seowon Director Kim Byeong-il, and about 80 members of the reenactment group.

They walked from Sapgoljae to Dosan Seowon, the last section of the homecoming reenactment event, held a goyuje service at Sangdeoksa Temple, and held a closing ceremony, completing the 14-day, 13-night journey.

In particular, at the closing ceremony, the testimonials of the reenactment group who experienced the journey home were evaluated, and awards were given to one grand prize winner (Provincial Governor’s Award), two gold medals (Andong Mayor’s Award), and 30 silver prizes (Dosan Seowon President’s Award), and those who walked 270 km to the end. Participants were provided with tour accommodation vouchers in the Andong area.

The reason why this event is given special meaning in Gyeongsangbuk-do is that about 450 years ago, Toegye raised talent in the region by systematizing Seowon education (balanced development of education), disseminating Gangnam farming methods (prospering local economy), and revitalizing the local community. , This is because it implemented a virtuous cycle model of regional development in which people gather in local areas and their livelihoods become prosperous.

As this teacher’s spirit and practice are in line with the spirit of Gyeongbuk’s local era, Gyeongbuk Province is promoting a policy of coexistence between the region, universities, and companies to create an era in which both the central and local regions prosper.

In particular, this year, we are making every effort to solve low birth rate, which is a national challenge, by declaring a ‘war on low birth rate’ with the goal of achieving a total fertility rate of 2.1.

Kim Hak-hong, the administrative governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do, said, “Reflecting on the achievements and spirit of Toegye, who suggested the direction to take in the local era, such as nurturing local talent and inflow of population, we are doing our best to solve problems starting from the local area.” He added, “By 2070, we will be number one in population.” , No. 1 in education and jobs! Gyeongsangbuk-do, the center of Korea! “I will work hard to make it happen,” he said.