Exploring Yongwon Seowon: A Tribute to National Heroes
Hello, this is reporter Jo Yeon-woo, wishing to spend the month of June meaningfully as it is the month of national defense and veterans. Following yesterday's visit to Dacheon Seowon, where the stele of local hero Kwak Jong-seok is located, today I would like to share traces of patriotic figures in Gabuk-myeon.
Yongwon Seowon Entrance
This place I visited in June is Yongwon Seowon, located in Yongsan-ri, Gabuk-myeon, Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. This site is significant as it honors the local righteous army leader, Munwi, who protected the country during the Imjin War. Although the doors were closed and I couldn't explore inside, walking around allowed me to reflect on the spirit of ancestors who dedicated themselves to the nation.
Yongwon Seowon is located at 41 Eoin-gil, Gabuk-myeon, Geochang-gun.
Yongwon Seowon and General Munwi
General Munwi was born in 1554 in Yongsan-ri, Gabuk-myeon, Geochang-gun. When the Imjin War broke out in 1592, he was 39 years old and engaged in righteous army activities. Leading local troops against the invading Japanese forces, he was recognized for his contributions and appointed as a third-class meritorious subject. He also received high praise for his scholarship and virtue, serving as a Dongmong teacher and an inspector in the Office of the Inspector General.
Yongwon Seowon honors General Munwi's loyalty and scholarship.
After Munwi passed away, local Confucians established Yongwon Seowon in 1686 to commemorate his loyalty and virtue, enshrining his spirit tablet. Later, the scholar Byeon Chang-hu was also honored here. Thus, Yongwon Seowon played a role in honoring the sages and providing local education.
However, Yongwon Seowon could not escape the significant changes in history. It was dismantled in 1868 due to the abolition of seowons by Heungseon Daewongun. The current structure, restored in 1887 through the efforts of local Confucians, is located in its present site in Gabuk-myeon. In 1991, the shrine, Mohyeonsa, was also restored, giving it its current form.
Yongwon Seowon honors General Munwi's loyalty and scholarship.
Yongwon Seowon is not large. The main gate, lecture hall, and shrine are aligned in a straight line, with the lower building next to the lecture hall. Notably, the stele erected on the left side of the lecture hall is an important relic commemorating General Munwi's life and achievements. The photo was taken from outside as the door was locked.
Stele visible to the left of Yongwon Seowon's lecture hall.
Behind the lecture hall, passing through the Sangye-mun, is the shrine, Mohyeonsa, which has three rooms in the front.
The Sangye-mun of Mohyeonsa (a gate that values and respects etiquette).
The shrine of Yongwon Seowon, Mohyeonsa.
Unlike typical seowons, Yongwon Seowon does not have the east and west study rooms, but the lower building and the stele harmoniously create a unique space arrangement.
The lecture hall of Yongwon Seowon and the lower building visible to its right.
The stele visible to the left of the lecture hall, where there are no east and west study rooms.
Yongwon Seowon is special because it embodies the spirit of patriotism of General Munwi, who prioritized the nation over his own safety during a time of national crisis.
I hope that such precious cultural heritage in the region is preserved for a long time and becomes known to many people.
Next to Yongwon Seowon, the footprints of the renowned scholar Jeong On from the Joseon Dynasty are also present. The Yungcheon Jeongsa, which was rebuilt in 1808 for Jeong On's hermitage, is located here.
The Yungcheon Jeongsa, rebuilt for Jeong On's hermitage.
Behind Yungcheon Jeongsa, along with his parents' graves, Jeong On is also enshrined.
Place where Jeong On and his parents are enshrined.
Next time, I will share more about the stories of Mori-jae along with Yungcheon Jeongsa.
Let us create a meaningful June with gratitude for all the ancestors who dedicated themselves to this land.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/geochanggun/224309581386
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