| Imgo
Seowon Confucian Academy (early 17th century,
rebuilt 1965) other
sites in Gyeongsangdo |
Gyeongsang-do, Korea |
Click on the above images for larger views
This Seowon was first established in 1553, the 8th year of King Myeongjong (1545-67) of Joseon, as a memorial to Jeong Mongju (1337-92), a great scholar and statesman who tried to prevent Yi Seonggye from taking over the throne of Goryeo (918-1392). He was assassinated in a plot masterminded by Yi's son, Yi Bangwon, and Yi ascended the throne to become King Taejo (1392-98) and changed the Kingdom's name to Joseon. King Seonjo (1567-1608) authorized the name of the seowon to be Imgoseowon in 1603. Jeong Mongju, whose pen name was Poeun, made the top score in the state examination for elite officials in 1360. He served in various positions including headmaster of the national Confucian academy, Seonggyungwan, minister of rites, minister of law and minister of finance and distinguished himself as a diplomat in dealing with Ming China. He was a founder of Korea's school of Sung Confucianism and enjoyed a reputation as a master of calligraphy and painting. Jeong was posthumously appointed a prime minister and given the title Igyangbuwongun in 1401 by King Taejong (1400-18, Yi Bangwon). The Seowon was burned down during the Japanese Invasions of 1592-98 and restored in 1603. It was demolished by royal decree in 1871. It was restored in 1965 and renovated in 1980.
This is considered Gyeongsangbuk-do Monument #62
For general information on the private academies, visit the Byeongsan seowon page
Bibliography
All images copyright 1998-2000
Abe Ahn and Tim Ciccone