Gangneung opens 'Path of Mother'

People celebrate the opening of the newly paved “Path of Mother” walkway in Ojukheon, Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Saturday, where prominent Confucian scholar and statesman Yulgok Yi I and his mother Sin Saimdang were born. Yonhap

Gangneung opens ‘Path of Mother'

By Lee Kyung-min

Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, held an event Saturday to celebrate the opening of the newly paved “Path of Mother” walkway in Ojukheon where prominent Confucian scholar and statesman Yulgok Yi I and his mother Sin Saimdang were born.

The participants in the event walked the 1.5-kilometer path between Ojukheon, where a monument indicating the beginning of the walkway will be erected, and Samojeong Park.

After the participants arrive at the park, various cultural performances took place including poem recitals, choir singing and samulnori (a Korean traditional percussion quartet).

This is the first time to designate a walkway as a key cultural asset symbolizing “hyo,” or filial piety, a virtue of respect for one's parents, elders and ancestors in Confucian philosophy. The naming of the walkway was decided in November last year, on the occasion of the 512th anniversary of the birth of Shin.

The mother and the son were well-known figures in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Shin is especially commended for her love and passion for art, and for being the embodiment of “the good wife and wise mother.” These two were key qualities required of women during the conservative Joseon Kingdom when they were usually denied education or chances to pursue high-profile public professions.

Shin is the woman portrayed on the 50,000-won bill, and her son, Yulgok Yi I on the 5,000 won bill.

The city expressed hope the event will be a reminder of the importance of the spirit of “hyo,” and for it to be upheld by future generations as a moral compass.