Jangheung Yeongokseowon Confucian Academy

This is a seowon (Confucian academy) built to honour the scholarship and virtue of Min Jeong-jung (pen name Nobong, 1628–1692). Min Jeong-jung was a civil official of the late Joseon period who held various posts, including Minister of Taxation and Minister of Public Works, and went on to serve as State Councillor of the Right and State Councillor of the Left. When he was exiled to Jangheung in the first year of King Sukjong (1675) because of factional strife, he taught local scholars, and is said to have held lectures on the very site where the academy now stands. Jangheung Yeongokseowon was established in the 24th year of King Sukjong (1698), and in the 42nd year of King Sukjong (1716) Min Jeong-jung's younger brother Min Yu-jung was additionally enshrined there. In the 2nd year of King Yeongjo (1726) it was recognised by the state as a royally chartered academy and given the name plaque "Yeongok". It was closed in the 5th year of Emperor Gojong (1868) under Heungseon Daewongun's order abolishing seowon, but was gradually restored afterwards and survives to the present day. Situated on a slope of the hill behind Yeongok village, the academy has an educational area at the front and a ritual area at the rear. The educational area includes the lecture hall, Yeongokdang, which was used both for teaching and as a meeting place for the local Confucian scholars. The shrine, built on a raised platform at the rear, houses the spirit tablets of Min Jeong-jung and Min Yu-jung. To the left stand ancillary buildings, including the caretaker's quarters and Eopilgak, a hall that holds a plaque in King Yeongjo's own handwriting. A memorial rite is held here every March.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jangheung, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물