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Dongjuk Seowon
Joseon

Dongjuk Seowon

32-57 Hakjeon-gil, Deokcheon-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do

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About this place

This seowon, built in 1960 by local Confucian scholars, venerates Jo Gwangjo (Jeongam) as the central figure along with Choe Heejeong (Deokcheun). Jo Gwangjo (1482-1519) was an early Joseon official and Neo-Confucian scholar who inherited the academic tradition of Kim Jongjik and became the center of the Sarim faction. He implemented radical reforms but was exiled by the conservative Hungu faction and died during the Gimyo Purge of 1519. Choe Heejeong received teachings from Jo Gwangjo and passed the military examination in the 11th year of King Jungjong (1516). When Jurchen tribes invaded Hamgyeong Province, Jo Gwangjo recommended him and he drove back the enemy with great success. King Jungjong reportedly granted the land where the seowon now stands in recognition of his merit.