Gicheon Seowon

About this place

Gicheon Seowon, located in Yonggung-myeon, Yecheon-gun, began in 1665 (the 6th year of King Hyeonjong) with the construction of Gicheon Jeongsa (study hall) to enshrine the memorial tablets of five figures, including the Goryeo-era figure An Jun, as well as Yi Mun-heung, Mun Geun, Mun Gwan, and Yi Gu. In 1692 (the 18th year of King Sukjong) it was first relocated to Woro-ri in Yonggung, and in 1703 (the 29th year of King Sukjong) it was elevated to a seowon (Confucian academy) by agreement of the local Confucian scholars. In 1712 (the 38th year of King Sukjong) it was moved and rebuilt at its present location, Oryonggok in Woro-ri, Yonggung-myeon. It was demolished in 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong) under the Regent Heungseon Daewongun's order to abolish seowon, but in 1928 an altar was established and memorial rites were held. The precincts contain Myeonggyodang Hall, Sangjeolsa Shrine (restored in 1928), and an inner three-gate. Memorial rites, formerly held every spring and autumn, are now performed once a year on the 20th day of the 9th lunar month.