Jiksan Hyanggyo

About this place

A hyanggyo is an educational institution established by the government to hold memorial rites for Confucius and the sages, and to educate and enlighten the local populace. Built in the early Joseon period in 1588 (the 21st year of King Seonjo's reign), this hyanggyo was burned down during the Imjin War and later rebuilt, then repaired several times to reach its present form. The surviving buildings include the Daeseongjeon, Myeongnyundang, Dongjae, the inner gate (Naesammun), and the outer gate (Oesammun). The Daeseongjeon enshrines the spirit tablets of Confucius and the five sages, along with sages of China and Korea. During the Joseon period, the institution received land, books, and servants from the state and educated students; after the Gabo Reform (1894), the educational function ceased, and today memorial rites are held in spring and autumn.