Imsil Hyanggyo

About this place

Imsil Hyanggyo was founded in 1413 to enshrine the spirit tablets of eminent Confucian scholars, hold memorial rites, and promote local education and moral instruction. It is a state-run local educational institution of the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Partially destroyed during the Imjin War, it was restored by Kim Seonggeun and others who rebuilt the Daeseongjeon, while Won Secheon repaired the Myeongnyundang. The Daeseongjeon, Myeongnyundang, east and west study halls, and lecture hall were all restored multiple times thereafter. During the Joseon era, it received land, books, and servants from the state, with one teacher instructing up to 30 students. After the Gabo Reforms of 1894, its educational function ceased and it now conducts the seokjeon (Confucian rite to Confucius) in spring and autumn, and holds incense offerings on the 1st and 15th of each month. The calligraphy on the Myeongnyundang plaque is said to be a compilation of characters from the calligrapher Zhu Zhifan of the Ming dynasty. The two ginkgo trees beside the Myeongnyundang, approximately 700 years old, are designated protected trees.