Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies, Republic of Korea

The property exhibits the importance of these thriving academies whose purpose was to promote the learning of Neo-Confucianism, a religious, social and ethical philosophy that was introduced into Korea from China and became fundamental to every aspect of life.

The seowons developed and flourished as centres for the interests of the sarim (groups of scholars), who were the intellectuals that established and led them.

These local literati created educational systems that were conducive to them being able to fully commit to learning. Veneration and interaction, along with learning, are the three essential functions of the seowon, and are clearly visible in their design.

Students were encouraged to vigorously interpret the universe with Neo-Confucian views and to internalize these views, although the seowon were also used for preparing for civil service examinations. 

Learning began with inspiring emulation from the lives of late contemporary Neo-Confucian figures. Veneration, which took place at a shrine, was a method that created a connection between the enshrined figures of the past and the scholars of the current generation.

The local literati who gathered at the seowon built networks and engaged in cultural, social and political activities. Interaction with nature was also promoted, with an emphasis on appreciating and being immersed in the surrounding landscape.

In fact, the landscape was an important factor when deciding where to establish a new seowon. They were located near mountains and water in order to be close to nature and to cultivate the mind and body. Pavilion-style buildings facilitated connections to the landscape.

The nine seowon, to this day, remain in excellent physical condition, centuries after their establishment:

Sosuseowon was Korea’s first seowon and was built to preserve the memory of the scholar who first brought Neo-Confucianism to Korea from China. It is surrounded by an old pine forest, planted by the literati, and is made up of three spaces: for veneration, teaching and rest. 

Oksanseowon was the first seowon to incorporate a pavilion with an elevated wooden floor which is open to nature. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides and holds a diverse collection of valuable books which are in excellent condition.

Dosanseowon was a socio-politically influential seowon, whose asymmetrical layout shows how seowon architecture could be altered without sacrificing its essence.

With the buildings for learning facing toward the shrine, Piramseowon demonstrates the significance of veneration. Three dragon heads at each corner of the roof of one of its buildings were placed as a symbol of the king due to the royal relics held within.

Byeongseowon has an excellent architectural layout, embodying the Neo-Confucian view of nature. It takes its name from the mountain which surrounds it.

Donamseowon was a cradle of the study of propriety (yehak) and cultural exchange among local scholars. Originally built in a forest, it was eventually relocated to its current position due to severe flooding every summer.