Hongju Hyanggyo (Confucian School)

About this place

Hongju Hyanggyo is said to have been founded during the Goryeo period, though the exact date cannot be confirmed. Historical records of its renovations are available from the latter half of the 19th century. In 1871 (the 8th year of King Gojong), the Daeseongjeon was restored; in 1880, the east and west shrines and the middle gate were newly built; in 1893, the Daeseongjeon was renovated again; and in 1914, the Daeseongjeon and rear garden were repaired. The school buildings follow the jeonhak humyo layout, placing the Myeongnyundang at the front on a low hillock and the Daeseongjeon facing due south behind it. The east and west study halls were demolished during the Japanese colonial period, leaving only the ritual preparation hall. The compound also retains Confucian stone fixtures including a mangnyo platform (for burning ritual writings), a cheongnyodae lantern platform, and a gwansudae hand-washing basin.