Simgokseowon Confucian Academy, Yongin

Simgokseowon Confucian Academy enshrines as its principal figure Jeongam Jo Gwang-jo (1482-1519), the leader of the Sarim faction of scholar-officials during the reign of King Jungjong of Joseon. It follows the typical layout of Joseon-period Confucian academies known as jeonhak-humyo, with the lecture hall at the front and the shrine at the rear. When Heungseon Daewongun ordered the abolition of Confucian academies in 1871, Simgokseowon was the only academy enshrining Jo Gwang-jo that survived without damage, and it has remained standing to this day. During recent repairs to the shrine and lecture hall, sangnyangmun - documents recording the raising of the roof ridge beam - dated 1636 and 1657 respectively were discovered. Also preserved are the Simgokseowon Lecture Hall Record (1673, by Song Si-yeol), the Simgokseowon Academy Regulations (1747, by Yi Jae) and a royal writing of King Sukjong (1740, recorded by Min Jin-won), which together convey the history and background of the academy. Within the academy grounds stands a zelkova tree over 500 years old, said to have been planted by Jo Gwang-jo himself. Related old documents, including the Jeongamjip (the collected works of Jeongam), are kept in the Jangseogak archive, and the academy still holds memorial rites each spring and autumn and an incense-offering ceremony on the first and fifteenth day of every lunar month. In addition, the value and standing of Simgokseowon can be confirmed through the nearby Tomb and Spirit Road Stele of Jo Gwang-jo (a Gyeonggi Province Monument) located close to the academy.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yongin, Gyeonggi

Designation

Historic Site · 사적