Gochang Hyanggyo

About this place

A hyanggyo (local Confucian school) was a state-established educational institution for conducting memorial rites for Confucius and various sages, and for the education and moral cultivation of local people. The Gochang Hyanggyo originated when the teaching hall (학당사) in Wolgok-ri, which existed since the reign of King Gongmin of Goryeo (r. 1351-1374), was relocated; it was rebuilt in 1512 (the 7th year of King Jungjong of Joseon). The Daeseongjeon (main shrine hall) was repaired in 1605 (the 38th year of King Seonjo), and the roof tiles were restored in 1974. It has three bays across and two bays deep with a gabled (맞배) roof. Inside, the memorial tablets of Confucius, his disciples, and Korean sages are enshrined. During the Joseon period, the school received land, servants, and books from the state to educate students; today its educational function has ceased and only the ceremonial function remains. Gochang Hyanggyo holds a large collection of books important for researching local history.