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Daejeong Hyanggyo (1653 onward) - 대정향교 (大靜鄕校)

The name 'Daejeong' Hyanggyo derives from its original location inside Daejong Fortress, where it was established for the first time in 1408. The hyanggyo was moved in 1653 to the present site at the foot of Tansan hillock.

During the Joseon dynasty, the government encouraged the construction of hyanggyo in each county as a means of providing secondary education to promising scholars. However, their status declined from the late 16th century onward as private academies (seowon) generally supplanted hyanggyo. Both institutions generally comprised a lecture hall flanked by student domitories, with a shrine courtyard to the rear (or occasionally, at the front).

Hyanggyo are no longer used for education, but their use for rituals continues: twice a year Seokjeonjae (Confucian ceremonies) are performed in spring and autumn in honor of Confucius and later sages. At this site, incense is also burned twice a month on the 1st and 15th of the lunar calendar.

According to GPS readings collected by the author, the hyanggyo is at 33.239375 N, 126.288295 E (WGS84 map datum).

Designated City Tangible Cultural Property #4.

Address: 제주 서귀포시 안덕면 사계리 3126-1 (제주 서귀포시 안덕면 사계리 3126-1)