Gunwi Hyanggyo

Hyanggyo were local educational institutions established by the state to teach Confucianism and cultivate talent, providing education at the level of today's middle and high schools. They taught how to compose poetry and prose, the Confucian classics and history, and held rites for the sages of China and Joseon. After the Gabo Reforms, their educational function disappeared; in spring and autumn, the Seokjeon Daeje is held for Confucius, and incense is burned on the first and fifteenth days of each month. Gunwi Hyanggyo was first built in 1407 (7th year of King Taejong of Joseon) at Majangsan in Dongbu-ri, but was burned down during the Imjin War, and in 1607 (40th year of King Seonjo) it was relocated to the south of Seonbangsan. Then in 1701 (27th year of King Sukjong) it was moved again to its current location, where it remains today. In the building layout, the Daeseongjeon, where rites are held, is placed at the highest point, and in front of it, centered on the Myeongnyundang, the study building, the Dongjae and Seojae, the students' dormitories, face each other. In front, facing the Myeongnyundang, the pavilion Gwangpungnu and the entrance gate are situated facing southeast. Gwangpungnu was built in 1926, and the Seojae was rebuilt after the Korean War. The Daeseongjeon is a building with three bays at the front and a gabled roof. Inside are enshrined the memorial tablets of Confucius, his disciples, and 27 Korean sages. During the Joseon period, hyanggyo received land, slaves, and books from the state, and instructors taught students, but today the educational function is gone and only the ritual function remains.

(Source: Gunwi County Culture & Tourism)

Details

Admission fee

Free

Restroom

Yes