Munheonseowon Confucian Academy

Munheonseowon is a seowon, a private Confucian academy, built to commemorate the scholarship and virtuous conduct of Yi Gok (pen name Gajeong, 1298–1351) and Yi Saek (pen name Mogeun, 1328–1396). Yi Gok was a scholar of the late Goryeo period and the father of Yi Saek. He passed the state examination of the Yuan dynasty, where his ability was recognised, and he gained renown for his literary accomplishment. Yi Saek was a civil official and scholar of the late Goryeo period. During the transition between the Yuan and Ming dynasties he supported a pro-Ming policy, and he sought to understand Buddhism from a Confucian standpoint. His disciples included Gwon Geun, Kim Jong-jik and Byeon Gye-ryang, who came to form the mainstream of Joseon-period Neo-Confucianism. Munheonseowon was built in 1594, the twenty-seventh year of King Seonjo, but was burned down during the Japanese invasions. It was rebuilt in 1610, the second year of King Gwanghaegun, at Hansan-gochon. The following year it received a royal plaque bearing the name 'Munheon' from the state, becoming a royally chartered academy (sa'aek seowon), and the memorial tablets of Inje Yi Jong-hak, Eumae Yi Ja and Baeokheon Yi Gae were additionally enshrined there. In 1871, the eighth year of Emperor Gojong, it was closed under the order of Heungseon Daewongun abolishing seowon academies. Afterwards, an altar was built and incense offered at the site of the original Munheonseowon, until in 1969 it was rebuilt on its present site, and the tablet of Munyanggong Yi Jong-deok was added, bringing the number of enshrined tablets to six. Memorial rites are held every year in the third and ninth months of the lunar calendar.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Seocheon, Chungnam

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료