Gyosujeong Pavilion, Hamyang

Gyosujeong Pavilion was built in 1398, the seventh year of King Taejo, by Jo Seung-suk (pen name Deokgok), one of the seventy-two scholars of Dumundong who refused to serve the new Joseon dynasty, in order to cultivate talented students. Jo Seung-suk passed the state civil service examination in 1381, the seventh year of King U of Goryeo, and was renowned even in China after serving as an envoy to Ming China, but when King Taejo of Joseon took the throne he relinquished his office and withdrew from public life. King Seongjong (r. 1469-1494), admiring his loyalty and integrity, issued a royal memorial text in his honour. The eight characters 'Suyang myeongwol, yulli cheongpung' - alluding to the bright moon over Mt Shouyang and the pure breeze over Yulli, images associated with loyal recluses who would not serve a new ruler - were carved onto a natural rock face, a tortoise head was carved, and a stele was erected. The stele measures 320 cm in height, 90 cm in width and 39 cm in thickness. In front of Gyosujeong Pavilion hangs a signboard reading 'Miguk' (bracken and chrysanthemum), plants that symbolise Jo Seung-suk's loyalty and unyielding integrity.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hamyang, Gyeongnam

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료