Baengnyeonsa Camellia Forest in Gangjin

Starting from Baengnyeonsa Temple, a historic temple where National Preceptor Wonmyo initiated the White Lotus Society during the Goryeo Dynasty, approximately 1,500 camellia trees grow naturally in clusters to the south and west, forming a forest. The Baengnyeonsa Camellia Forest was designated as Natural Monument No. 151 on December 7, 1962. The camellias here are a native variety that endure winter and begin blooming in January, reaching full bloom between March and April. The forest path is well-maintained as a walking trail, providing a pleasant environment for visitors to explore. Passing through the camellia forest, which stands about 7 meters tall, there is a path leading to Dasan Chodang. This path is said to have been used by Jeong Yak-yong (1762–1836) when he traveled to Baengnyeonsa Temple in the past. The camellia forest extending to Baengnyeonsa Temple is a historic forest path where Monk Choui, the head monk of Baengnyeonsa Temple, and Dasan Jeong Yak-yong often strolled while discussing current affairs. Near Baengnyeonsa Temple, about a 6-minute drive away, is Dasan Chodang, where the scholar Jeong Yak-yong lived in exile and wrote the Mokminsimseo.