Gyohahyanggyo Local Confucian School

A hyanggyo (local Confucian school) was a public educational institution established in the provinces during the Joseon period, where memorial rites were held for Confucius, the scholar of China's Spring and Autumn period, and for various sages, and where local people were educated. A hyanggyo comprises the Daeseongjeon shrine, where Confucius is enshrined, the Dongmu and Seomu buildings, where other sages are enshrined, the Myeongnyundang lecture hall, where students studied, and the Dongjae and Seojae dormitories, where they lodged. There is also a jeonsacheong, which manages the affairs of the shrine. Gyohahyanggyo was built in 1407 in Galhyeon-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-gun, and was relocated to its present site in 1731. In 1943 it was abolished along with the other hyanggyo of Paju-gun, with the exception of Pajuhyanggyo, but was restored after 1945 by local Confucian scholars (yurim). The educational buildings — Myeongnyundang and the Dongjae and Seojae dormitories — stand at the front, while the ritual buildings — Daeseongjeon and the Dongmu and Seomu — stand at the rear, so that the space for study lies in front and the space for ritual lies behind. Daeseongjeon measures three bays across the front and two bays in depth, with a gable roof that, seen from the side, takes the shape of the character 人 (person). The Dongmu and Seomu stand to its left and right. Myeongnyundang likewise measures three bays across the front and two bays in depth, but has a hipped-and-gabled roof shaped, from the side, like the character 八 (eight). The Dongjae and Seojae stand to its left and right. There are also an inner three-bay gate and an outer three-bay gate. During the Joseon dynasty the state supplied land, slaves and books to support instruction here, but today the educational function has ceased and only the ritual function remains.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Paju, Gyeonggi

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료