Discovering the Tranquil Gwangmyeong Ori Seowon
[Reporter: Kim Yeon-hong]
On a summer afternoon, with the sun shining intensely, I found a special place to escape the heat and enjoy serene tranquility: the Gwangmyeong Ori Seowon, quietly nestled in the heart of Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggi Province.
The calm inside the seowon, perhaps due to the hot weather, was a perfect reflection of peace. It allowed me to deeply and quietly feel the spirit of Ori Lee Won-ik, a symbol of integrity and a model for public officials during the Joseon Dynasty. Shall we embark on a journey to Gwangmyeong Ori Seowon, where we can experience both a mental break from our busy lives and a history lesson?
The entrance to the Gwangmyeong Cultural Center and Ori Seowon features a comprehensive guide sign surrounded by green trees, with a portrait of Lee Won-ik and an introduction to the seowon.
Meeting the Secret Garden in the City: Ori Seowon
From the entrance, Ori Seowon exudes a calm and tranquil atmosphere. The neatly arranged tiled roofs and information booth among the blue pines make one feel as if they are stepping back in time, far removed from the noise of the city.
Ori Seowon is an educational and cultural space created to honor and modernly inherit the integrity, frugality, and loyalty of Lee Won-ik (1547-1634), a prominent politician and symbol of integrity during the Joseon Dynasty.
During the afternoon, the seowon was not crowded, making it perfect for leisurely exploring the clean lines of the tiled roofs and the lush greenery.
As you enter the seowon, you can see exhibits that showcase the life and achievements of Lee Won-ik. He served as Prime Minister six times during the reigns of King Seonjo, King Gwanghae, and King Injo, playing a critical role in overcoming national crises like the Imjin War. He also led the implementation of the "Daedong Law," which alleviated heavy tax burdens on the people, significantly improving their lives.
Despite his achievements, he lived a frugal life in a thatched house without proper partitions, to the extent that the king granted him a house named "Gwanggamdang." The exhibition includes interesting comic panels that narrate his anecdotes and stories about the Daedong Law, making history accessible for both children and adults.
Modern Meets Tradition: Elegant Spaces and Amenities
The architecture of Ori Seowon is grand yet warm. Upon entering the main building, adorned with subtle traditional decorations, you are welcomed by clean and modern facilities.
The spacious and comfortable auditorium serves as a key venue for integrity education and various lectures, featuring a large landscape painting backdrop that inspires scholarly enthusiasm. There is also a reading nook called 'Dajeong,' where anyone can comfortably read and relax, reminiscent of a cozy city book café.
In 2026, Ori Seowon will offer various experience programs that go beyond simply viewing cultural heritage, allowing citizens to participate in traditional culture and character education programs.
After exploring Ori Seowon, I recommend visiting nearby sites such as the ancestral home of Lee Won-ik and the Chung-hyun Museum, which displays his relics and related materials. This exploration course, starting from the seowon and extending to the ancestral home and museum, offers a vivid experience of the humble and frugal life of scholars during the Joseon Dynasty.
Visitor Information
Location: 26, Ori-ro 365beon-gil, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do
Opening Hours: Weekdays (Mon-Fri) 09:00-18:00
Closed: Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays
Main Programs: Integrity education, etiquette school, seasonal festivals (Dano and Chuseok)
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224363797185
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