Hamyang Namgye Seowon

Site details

Namgye Seowon is the second Seowon established after Sosu Seowon. The name 'Namgye' originates from Namgyecheon, the stream flowing around the Seowon. It was founded in 1552 to commemorate Jeong Yeo-chang, a master of Neo-Confucianism, who, along with Kim Gwoeng-pil, Jo Gwang-jo, Yi Eon-jeok, and Yi Hwang, is revered as one of the Five Great Sages of the East. The Five Great Sages of the East refer to the five distinguished scholars of Korea, whose memorial tablets are all enshrined in the Confucian Shrine of Sungkyunkwan. Namgye Seowon, where the principle of 'jeonhak humyo' began, features a shrine at the highest point, offering a splendid view surrounded by mountain ridges and streams. In front of Myeongseongdang, the center of the academic space, are the dormitories for students, Dongjae and Seojae, on the left and right. Each building has a numaru and a small pond, which is rare for a Seowon to have two ponds. Passing the 'Hamabi' and 'Hongsalmun' at the entrance of the Seowon and climbing up to the main gate, 'Pungyeongnu,' the plaque describes the scenery as 'a view open in all directions, with a wide field, the winding flow of a stream, distant green forests, and a beautiful sunset,' showcasing its exceptional landscape.