Gochang Hyanggyo

About this place

A hyanggyo was a state-run educational institution established to hold memorial rites for Confucius and various sages and to educate and enlighten the local populace. Gochanghyanggyo was relocated from the Hakdangsa that had stood in Wolgok-ri during the reign of King Gongmin of Goryeo (r. 1351–1374), and was rebuilt in the 7th year of King Jungjong of Joseon (1512). Its main shrine, Daeseongjeon, was repaired in the 38th year of King Seonjo (1605), and its roof tiles were restored in 1974. It measures 3 kan across the front and 2 kan on the side, with a gable roof that looks like the Chinese character for 'person' (人) when viewed from the side. Inside are enshrined the spirit tablets of Confucius, his disciples, and Korean sages. During the Joseon period, the state provided land, servants, and books to teach students, but today its educational function has ceased and only the ritual function remains. Gochanghyanggyo holds many books needed for the study of this region's local history.