Hwasan Seowon (Chilgok)

About this place

Chilgok Hwasan Seowon originated when Jang Gyeong-u, in his later years, built a study hall below Mount Hwasan in Seonggok-ri in 1651 (the 2nd year of King Hyojong) to educate younger generations and personally named it Hwasan Seodang. After Jang Gyeong-u's death he was enshrined at Okgyesa, and the building, left uncared for, fell into ruin. In 1840 (the 6th year of King Heonjong), the local Confucian community moved the hall's site to the southern foot of Mount Bongdusan (present-day Jungni, Seokjeok-eup) and reconstructed the building, enlarging it to five bays. Originally it seems there was only the lecture hall building; the present gate quarters appear to have been built when the site was moved and the hall reconstructed. Later, in 1844, a shrine was built to the north of the hall, but it was demolished in 1871 (the 8th year of King Gojong) by Regent Heungseon Daewongun's order abolishing the academies, leaving only the lecture hall building.