Domaryeong (Observatory)

Domaryeong is a mountain pass that connects Hwanggan in Yeongdong-gun to Muju in North Jeolla Province. It is a high pass at an elevation of 800m on the slopes of Minjujisan Mountain (1,241m above sea level), the highest peak in Yeongdong. It is said that a general wielding a sword crossed this pass on horseback, giving it the name Domaryeong, and its old name, Dammaryeong, is also handed down.

At Domaryeong, there is a pavilion called Sangyongjeong on the ridge of the pass. After typhoons in 2002 and 2003 caused damage throughout Yeongdong-gun, Sangyongjeong was built as part of the restoration project. Sangyongjeong is an octagonal pavilion with a tiled roof and traditional Korean wooden structure, constructed with Ikgong-style brackets to enhance its grandeur. The wood used is Korean pine, and the granite foundation stones are shaped like the daegeum, a representative Korean traditional musical instrument, hinting that Yeongdong is a famous place for traditional Korean music. The scenery of this charming traditional-style octagonal pavilion is indescribably refreshing, and the winding road up and down the pass stretches toward Sangchon and Yonghwa in a meandering dance, creating a harmonious landscape.