“Meet the great literary work that enlightened the people.”

The Sangnok Culture Festival was launched in 1977 to pass on the spirit of Sim Hun, the author of “Sangnoksu (The Evergreen Tree),” who resisted against the Japanese rule and pioneered the Farming Village Enlightening Literature Movement. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the festival will consist of a wide range of programs and experiential events that will bring people together in unison.

Bugok-ri, Songak-myeon, Dangjin is the location of Pilgyeongsa, where Sim Hun authored his iconic book, “Sangnoksu (The Evergreen Tree),” in the 1930s and sparked the Farming Village Enlightening Literature Movement with the spirit of the evergreen tree.

A glimpse into the Sangnok Culture Festival
he festival was incepted with the aim of passing on the evergreen spirit of Sim Hun and advancing the local culture. Held for 3 to 4 days across Dangjin, the festival consists of a memorial service, Sim Hun Literary Prize Award Ceremony, writing contest and Eoul-madang. The Sim Hun Literary Prize was established in 1996, and an excellent short novel has been selected annually for the prize ever since.
Held for 3 to 4 days across Dangjin, the festival consists of a memorial service, Sim Hun Literary Prize Award Ceremony, writing contest and Eoul-madang. The Sim Hun Literary Prize was established in 1996, and an excellent short novel has been selected annually for the prize ever since.

Bugok-ri, where Pilgyeongsa is located, can be reached by driving toward Hanjinaru from Songak IC on Seohaean Expressway.
Sangnok Elementary School was given its name in the honor of Sim Hun, and near the school, you’ll see a sign that reads “Pilgyeongsa,” which point toward the winding trail between the rice paddies. You can follow this trail to get to Pilgyeongsa and learn more about Sim Hun.