Gosanseowon Confucian Academy

This is a seowon, a Confucian academy, built to commemorate the scholarship and virtuous conduct of the late-Joseon Confucian scholar Daesan Yi Sang-jeong (1710–1781). Yi Sang-jeong inherited the scholarly tradition of Toegye Yi Hwang, held various official posts, and in his later years devoted himself to educating the next generation. Built in 1789, the thirteenth year of King Jeongjo, the academy was closed in 1868, the fifth year of Emperor Gojong, under the order of Heungseon Daewongun abolishing seowon. It was newly restored in 1977, 1984 and 1985, and survives in its present form today. The grounds comprise the main buildings — the shrine and lecture hall — along with Baekseunggak, which houses relics, Dongjae, used as lodgings for those attending rites, and the residence of the academy's caretaker. The shrine, Gyeonghaengsa, enshrines the spirit tablets of Yi Sang-jeong and Yi Gwang-jeong; it measures three bays across the front and two bays on the side, with a gabled roof that, seen from the side, takes the shape of the character "in" (人). The lecture hall, Hoindang, was used as a meeting place for Confucian scholars; it has a wooden floor at its centre flanked by ondol-heated rooms on either side. A separate building, Jeongsa, was the place where students pursued their studies. Large in scale and dignified in form overall, this academy no longer serves an educational function, but ancestral rites are still held there every March and September.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Andong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물