Mangyeong Hyanggyo

About this place

A hyanggyo (local Confucian school) is a state-established educational institution of the Goryeo and Joseon periods that enshrined the memorial tablets of Confucius and eminent Confucian scholars, conducted memorial rites, and provided education and moral cultivation for local residents. The state provided land and servants (nobi) to support the school's teachers and students; however, with the Gabo Reform of 1894 establishing modern education, the educational function was abolished. Mangyeong Hyanggyo is said to have been founded in 1407 (the 7th year of King Taejong). A fire in 1620 (the 12th year of King Gwanghaegun) destroyed the buildings, and in 1637 the school was rebuilt at its current location in Dongmun-nae-ri, having undergone multiple restorations since. The Myeongnyundang (lecture hall), originally built in 1637, is now used as Nohyujae. The school enshrines Seol Chong, An Hyang, Choe Chiwon, and Jeong Mongju. The Daeseongjeon, Myeongnyundang, east and west dormitories, and the Chunghyogwan (loyalty and filial piety hall) are located within the compound.