Imgoseowon Confucian Academy

This is a seowon (Confucian academy) built to honour the loyalty of Poeun Jeong Mong-ju. Jeong Mong-ju (1337–1392) was a civil official who passed the state examination in 1360, the ninth year of King Gongmin, and rose to the position of jeongseung, equivalent to today's prime minister. He achieved great merit in suppressing Japanese pirate (waegu) raids, and also displayed outstanding diplomatic skill on a mission to Ming China at a time of tension between the two states. Excelling in Neo-Confucian learning, he is called the founder of Korean Neo-Confucian scholarship, and was also accomplished in poetry, prose and painting. He is especially well known for his sijo poem 'Dansimga' ('Song of the Unwavering Heart'), a celebrated work expressing his loyalty in refusing to serve two dynasties. Worried about the declining fortunes of the state, he tried to the end to preserve Goryeo, but was murdered by Yi Bang-won (King Taejong of Joseon). Imgoseowon was founded in 1553, the eighth year of King Myeongjong of Joseon, at Burae-san in Gocheon-dong, Imgo-myeon. It burned down during the Imjin War and was rebuilt in 1603, the thirty-sixth year of King Seonjo, when it received a name plaque from the king and became a royally chartered academy. In 1643, the twenty-first year of King Injo, Yeoheon Jang Hyeon-gwang was additionally enshrined there, and in 1727, the third year of King Yeongjo, Jibong Hwangbo In was added as well. It was later demolished in 1868, the fifth year of Emperor Gojong, under Heungseon Daewongun's order abolishing seowon academies, but was restored in 1965, enshrining only the spirit tablet of Jeong Mong-ju.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongcheon, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물