Dangu Seowon

About this place

Dangu Seowon is a Confucian academy that enshrines Master Yi Se-gi, posthumously titled Munhui, as its principal figure, along with Master Yi Cheon, titled Munhyo, and Yi Jong-yun, titled Songwa. Originally, Mohyeon Seodang, which held rites for Songwa, was built in the 13th year of King Cheoljong (1862), but it was demolished in the 5th year of King Gojong (1868), and Dangu Seowon was founded in 1983. Yi Se-gi was a distinguished official during the reign of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo, skilled in composition, and served as Miljik-busa, Yemungwan-daejehak, Dongji-chunchugwansa, and Geomgyo-jeongseung, among other posts. Yi Cheon was the eldest son of Yi Se-gi; he placed first in the Gukjasi examination in the 25th year of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo (1299), and in the 4th year of King Chunghye (1343) he concurrently held the post of Cheomui-pyeongni-sangui and Dongji-gonggeo. After going to Yuan China as an envoy upon the enthronement of King Chungmok, he became Panmiljiksasa and Seoyeongwan, and soon rose to Jeongdang-munhak. In the first year of King Chungmok (1345), he served as Cheomui-chamni, Munha-sirang, Dongpyeongjangsa, and Yemungwan-daejehak, and was then enfeoffed as Lord of Wolseong. Yi Jong-yun was a sixth-generation descendant of Yi Se-gi. He was born in Wollam-ri, Gyeongju, in the 13th year of King Sejong (1431), and passed the higher civil service examination in the 13th year of King Sejo (1467) to become Yeongchangjeon-chambong. He was promoted to Naejasi-jubu, Yejo-jwarang, and Jeongnang. In the 13th year of King Seongjong (1482), he held posts including Saganwon-heonnap, Saheonbu-jangnyeong, Jeyonggam-cheomjeong, and Bongsangsi-bujeong, and became Sigangwon-bodeok. In the 20th year of King Seongjong he served as Saheonbu-jangnyeong and Jipui, and in the 21st year of King Seongjong (1490) he served as Governor of Jeju, encouraging education, refining local customs, and administering good governance. When his term ended, the people of Jeju petitioned for his retention, and while serving an extended term he passed away at the Jeju government office in the first year of Yeonsan (1495) at the age of 65.