Bian Hyanggyo

About this place

Bian Hyanggyo was first built in the 7th year of King Taejo of Joseon (1398), but was burned down during the Japanese invasions of 1592. It was restored on its present site in the 2nd year of Gwanghaegun (1610), and was repaired in 1898, 1924, and 1935 respectively. It is said that during the Japanese invasions, Son Bok, a local man, hid the memorial tablets of the hyanggyo in a mountain cave and thus escaped harm safely. The buildings remaining today include the Daeseongjeon, the ritual space, along with the Dongmu and Seomu, the Myeongnyundang, which is the lecture hall serving the educational function, and the samun (three-part gate). In the Daeseongjeon are enshrined the memorial tablets of Confucius, his disciples, and the sages of Korea. The Daeseongjeon is placed on high ground to the east with the Myeongnyundang built below it, forming a jeonhak-humyo (lecture hall in front, shrine behind) layout. In front of the Daeseongjeon, the Dongmu and Seomu face each other. Besides these, there are also the Gwangpungru, the caretaker's quarters, restrooms, and a pond.