Exploring the Historic Haman Hyanggyo
By Lee Sang-hyun, 15th SNS Reporter
Haman Hyanggyo
103 Deokam-gil, Haman-myeon, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
The Haman Hyanggyo, a Confucian school from the Joseon Dynasty, stands in Haman-myeon. Particularly in autumn, the ginkgo trees in front of the school turn a stunning golden yellow, creating a beautiful scene that resonates with deep historical significance. The combination of the school's history and the ancient trees left a profound impression on me.
As you enter the premises, a magnificent ginkgo tree, over 510 years old and towering at 32 meters with a circumference of 6.3 meters, catches your eye. Approaching it, you truly appreciate its size, as its thick trunk is far too large to embrace fully.
Next to the ginkgo tree stands a red Hongsalmun gate. The straight path leading to the Pungwalu pavilion beyond the gate is quite striking. The red gate symbolizes the expulsion of evil spirits and the warding off of misfortune, making it a memorable sight during my visit.
Beside Pungwalu, there is an information board detailing the history of Haman Hyanggyo. While it is now widely recognized as a beautiful autumn tourist spot, it was once a local national educational institution responsible for middle and high school-level education during the Joseon era. It served as a gathering place for talented individuals to pursue academic excellence. Although the exact founding date is not recorded, it was relocated to its current site in 1595.
Currently, visitors can enter through a side gate on the right, rather than the main entrance. The space is utilized for traditional cultural education and various programs related to the hyanggyo are offered. Cultural and artistic events are also regularly held, making it a lively place that continues to connect people.
During my visit, a small flowerbed welcomed me with blooming zinnias, flourishing despite the hot sun, which tugged at my heartstrings.
Upon passing through the gate, the first sight is Myeongnyundang, the central study space for students. Haman Hyanggyo was an educational institution teaching Confucianism and conducting rituals for sages.
In the Joseon period, one instructor taught a class of 30 students, similar to a modern-day classroom setup.
On either side of Myeongnyundang are the East and West study rooms. Although the sounds of students reading are no longer heard, the layout reflects traditional educational architecture. Many buildings, including Daejeong and Myeongnyundang, were destroyed during the Korean War, and records were lost in a fire. The structures were restored in the 1950s to their current form.
The path leading to Daejeong is lined with ginkgo trees. When I visited, their deep green leaves hinted at the autumn transformation ahead, promising a beautiful scene as they turn golden and complement the roof tiles of the hyanggyo.
Daejeong is where the spirits of Confucius and other sages are enshrined and honored. Haman Hyanggyo continues to hold rituals in spring and autumn, preserving its traditional practices.
The layout of having Myeongnyundang in front and Daejeong behind follows the traditional 'Jeonhakhu-myo' structure, which can also be seen here.
Looking back from Daejeong, you can see Myeongnyundang, the courtyard, and the surrounding ginkgo trees all at once. While everything is still green, I eagerly await the sight of Haman Hyanggyo adorned in autumn's golden hues.
As summer fades, consider planning a special autumn journey to Haman Hyanggyo, where the past and present converge. If you wish to experience the history and seasonal beauty of Haman, remember to visit Haman Hyanggyo. It awaits you under the warm autumn sun.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224371589455
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