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Dosanseowon Confucian Academy

도산서원

The academy where Yi Hwang taught and the shrine-academy his students built after his death stand on one slope. The small, plain hall in front is the one he actually used; the larger buildings behind it came later. With Byeongsan Seowon it is one of the nine components of the UNESCO World Heritage site Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies.

Language

The veranda of Nongunjeongsa at Dosan Seowon: unpainted timber posts, earthen walls and paper doors, with the Siseupjae plaque hung under the eaves

Place information

Korean name
도산서원
Address
154 Dosanseowon-gil, Dosan-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Operated by
Andong City

History

Dosanseowon was established at the initiative of Confucian scholars to honour Yi Hwang (pen name Toegye) and teach later students. It became a royally chartered academy after receiving a "Dosanseowon" name board written by Han Seok-bong from King Seonjo, and Yi Hwang's spirit tablet was enshrined there. King Jeongjo supplied items for the memorial rites in recognition of Yi Hwang's scholarship and held a special state examination at the academy. It was spared demolition under the decree abolishing seowon in the late 19th century because its role as a centre of Confucian learning in the Yeongnam region was recognised.

  1. 1574

    Start of academy construction

  2. 1575

    Completion and royal charter

  3. 1576

    Enshrinement of Yi Hwang's spirit tablet

  4. 1792

    Memorial gifts and special examination

  5. 31 May 1969

    Designation as a Historic Site

  6. July 2019

    UNESCO World Heritage inscription

Korea Heritage Portal — Designation and location information for Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, Andong. The listed period is the eighth year of King Seonjo's reign (1575), and the managing body is Andong City. ·

What to see

Jeongyodang

Jeongyodang, the lecture hall at the centre of the academy, is asymmetrical, with an ondol room on only one side and the royally bestowed "Dosanseowon" name board written by Han Seok-bong beneath its eaves. It is designated a Treasure; in front, the students' dormitories Bagyakjae and Honguijae face each other.

Jeongyodang selected

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