Geumoseowon Confucian Academy

This is a Confucian academy (seowon) built to honour the loyalty and integrity of Gil Jae, known by his pen name Yaeun. Gil Jae (1353–1419) was a scholar who, together with Jeong Mong-ju and Yi Saek, was known as one of the "Three Recluses of Goryeo" (Goryeo Sameun) for upholding their principles at the end of the Goryeo dynasty. He passed the state examination and entered official life, but when he realised that Goryeo was going to fall, he declared that he could not serve two dynasties, resigned his post, and withdrew into seclusion in his hometown. After Joseon was founded, the crown prince Yi Bang-won, later King Taejong, offered him an official post, but he declined it and devoted himself entirely to scholarship and the training of younger students. Geumoseowon was built at the foot of Mount Geumosan in 1570, the third year of King Seonjo, and in 1575, the eighth year of King Seonjo, it received its name from the king and became a royally chartered academy. It burned down during the Japanese invasions of 1592–1598 and was rebuilt on its present site in 1602, the thirty-fifth year of King Seonjo; it received a royal charter for a second time in 1609, the first year of King Gwanghaegun. At that time the academy additionally enshrined Kim Jong-jik (pen name Jeompiljae), Jeong Bung (pen name Sindang), Park Yeong (pen name Songdang), and Jang Hyeon-gwang (pen name Yeoheon). The academy grounds contain Sanghyeonmyo Shrine, which houses the spirit tablets, as well as Jeonghakdang Hall, the east and west study halls (Dongjae and Seojae), and Eupcheongnu Pavilion. Its value is considerable in that it is a Confucian academy that was not demolished even under Heungseon Daewongun's order abolishing Confucian academies.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gumi, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물