Yeonsu-gu’s interesting story of origin and legend 1. Joong Rock, the rock that produces alcohol

Yeonsu-gu’s interesting story of origin and legend 1.

Joong Rock, the rock that produces alcohol

Today, we will tell you about a story of origin and legend concerning the name of a region in Yeonsu-gu.

There is a large rock atop the northern side of a cliff in Chunghak-dong Samhoji-gogae. The local residents call this rock “the rock that produces alcohol” or Joong Rock. You can still clearly see the deep indentations made from someone’s knees and two handprints.

A long time ago, it is said that there was an unmarried woman who offered to pour only three drinks for passerby then returned back inside the rock. Past Samhojae, there lived a Buddhist monk in a temple.

The monk happened to pass the peak of this hill and was dying of thirst. He thought to himself that a drink would best quench this thirst. Strangely, a woman appeared from inside the rock and politely offered the monk a drink.

While it took the monk by surprise, he quickly accepted the drink because of his urgent thirst. The drink offered by the woman was very sweet and delicious. After offering three drinks, the woman returned to the rock.

The monk was dumbfounded by what had happened that he could not tell whether he had actually dreamt the entire occurrence. The next day, the monk passed by the same location again.

He said aloud, “I wish I could have another delicious drink!” As soon as he said these words, the woman appeared and offered him three drinks then returned into the rock. Yet the monk wanted another drink. So he said, “Please give me another drink.” However, nothing happened. 

The monk was so disappointed that he leaned against the rock with his knees and pounded on the rock with his palms while continuously asking for the woman but she never returned. That is why there are clear knee and handprints on Joong Rock. 

How delicious must have been the drink poured by the unmarried woman to have caused such indentations?