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Danseong Hyanggyo - 단성향교 (丹城鄕校) (present location 1752 onward)

A hyanggyo, or Confucian academy, functioned as state-sponsored educational institute of Confucian learning during the Goryeo(918-1392) and Joseon(1392-1910) Kingdoms.

Danseong hyanggyo was first built in 1127, the fifth year of the reign of King Injong (1122-46) of Goryeo, near Guin-dong, Gangnu-ri Village. It was moved once during the reign of King Sejong (1418-50) of Joseon and again to its present location in 1752, the 28th year of the reign of King Yeongjo (1724-76).

The arrangement of the various buildings follows the standard custom of placing the academic facilities in the front and the shrines in the rear. Inside the outer gate are two dormitories, Dongjae and Seojae (east and west dormitories), and behind them the main lecture hall, Myeongnyundang. Behind the inner gate are two subsidiary shrines, Dongmu and Seomu, and behind these stand the main Daeseongjeon shrine.

The architecture is typical of the late Joseon period era with several exceptions: the passage below the Myeongryundang and the walkway on either side of the inner gate are both unusual features.

According to GPS readings taken by the author, the site sits at 35 18.55072' N, 127 57.31427' E (WGS84 map datum). Address: 경남 산청군 단성면 강누리 595-1.

(Designated City Tangible Cultural Property #88).

Plan view

Image redrawn and adapted following Hangukui Geonchuk Munhwachae 7: Gyeongnampyeon (Korean Historical Architecture 7, Gyeongnam Region).