HYANGGYO

It's a beautiful hyanggyo, or local unidenominational school-shrine. It was built under Goryeo near the Gyeonggijeon, but as the site was too noisy, it was moved on a nearby mountain. After 1597, it moved to this place because it was too far from the center. The current buildings date back to 1603. We will observe before we enter the wall. The entrance door (Manhwaru, now condemned) is surmounted by a flag, making it an unusual and solemn entry. Behind this door lies the main courtyard which houses the main altar dedicated to Confucius (Daeseongjeon) and on the sides those of his disciples (Seomu and Dongmu) where one can see their tablets. This sanctuary is usually at the bottom of the enclosure, but here the site is flat, it was placed in front. In the back yard is the classroom (Myeongnyundang) and 2 buildings for students (Seo- and Dongjae). At the bottom, the library and its xylographiées boards (Jangpan-gak) are met, as well as a small basin. Even the toilets in another courtyard on the left side are charming! The place is splendid in the spring with its magnificent centenaires gingkos, peonies, pines and azaleas. It is one of the most beautiful hyanggyo in Korea, in a neighborhood full of charm still preserved.