Exploring the Historic Chilwon Hyanggyo
14th SNS Reporter Lee Sang-hyun
Chilwon Hyanggyo
60-1, Yongsan 4-gil, Chilwon-eup, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
As I travel through various parts of South Korea, I often encounter historical spaces that make me pause, such as hyanggyo (confucian academies). Today, I visited the Chilwon Hyanggyo in Haman.
As I exited an alley between factories, I wondered, 'Could there really be a hyanggyo in such a place?' Suddenly, the navigation voice announced my arrival at the destination.
Upon stepping out of the car and lifting my gaze about 15 degrees, I saw the hyanggyo beyond the Hongsalmun gate. Despite the passage of many years, a solemn atmosphere reminded me of its original purpose as an educational space.
However, there was an unexpected twist. The factories and buildings right next to it created a stark contrast. On that windy day, the sound of doors slamming echoed from somewhere nearby. Typically, hyanggyo are situated deep within a village overlooking the area, which gave this one a different impression.
In winter, the bare branches added to the lonely and tranquil atmosphere.
The Chilwon Hyanggyo is registered as a cultural heritage site in Gyeongsangnam-do. While the exact date of its establishment is not known, the Chilwon-eup history book states it was relocated to its current site in the 26th year of King Sukjong's reign. As a designated cultural property, it must be well-preserved.
The layout includes the outer three gates, Myeongnyundang (the main hall), the inner three gates, and Daeseongjeon (the shrine). The building you see is Myeongnyundang, which was used as an educational space.
Similar to other hyanggyo, it has Dongjae and Seojae (dormitories) on either side. These served as dormitories where students would stay and rest after their studies.
As I walked around, I noticed that, unlike what I expected from outside, the place was very well maintained. Signs of care were evident, and it seemed that rituals were still being held here, preserving the hyanggyo's original functions.
As seen in the photos, there was a faucet that looked recently used, and a pair of shoes left inside suggested someone was present, likely a caretaker.
A tree that seemed to have coexisted with the hyanggyo, neatly trimmed grass, and shrubs planted near the entrance created a serene landscape. This made the entire space feel calm and inviting, perfect for a moment of reflection.
I imagined how the scenery might change with the seasons. A slight regret crossed my mind, thinking, 'Maybe I shouldn't have come in winter.'
Behind Myeongnyundang stands Daeseongjeon, featuring a three-bay front and two-bay side with a hipped roof, housing the tablets of Confucian sages from China and Korea. The educational functions of the hyanggyo have disappeared, leaving only its ritualistic role to continue its historical legacy.
I briefly pondered how the view would differ if the buildings below were traditional thatched houses instead of factories, envisioning a completely different scene.
That’s all for now! My visit to Chilwon Hyanggyo left a strong impression, especially with the fierce winds. I hope the history of Haman continues for a thousand years to come.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224159382119
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