Historic Site of Scholar Bangye

About this place

This is the historic site of Bangye Yu Hyeong-won (1622-1673), a pioneer of Silhak (Practical Learning) during the reigns of Kings Hyojong and Hyeonjong of Joseon. In 1648, the scholar sat the civil examination twice but failed, and after moving here in the 4th year of King Hyojong (1653), he lived in seclusion for the rest of his life. Repeatedly offered official positions thanks to his outstanding scholarship, he declined them all and devoted his life solely to academic pursuits before passing away. From this place he produced his Bangye Surok in 26 volumes. His scholarship had wide-ranging influence; in his major work the Bangye Surok, he advanced various proposals for enriching rural villages and improving the welfare of the people, exerting great influence on later Silhak scholars such as Jeong Yak-yong.