Yecheon Hyanggyo Confucian School

About this place

Yecheon Hyanggyo was first built in the 7th year of King Taejo of Joseon (1398) at Mount Hyeonsan in Yecheon-eup, and in the 18th year of King Taejong (1418) the magistrate Kim Gyeom moved it to its present location. Thereafter it was rebuilt several times, including in the 7th year of King Hyojong (1656) and the 9th year of King Hyojong (1658). Today it stands to the east of Daechang Middle and High Schools. When first built, it had nine buildings, including Pungyeongnu, Jeongokcheong, the eastern and western shrines (Dongmu and Seomu), the eastern and western dormitories, and a two-story gate tower, but now what remains are the ritual space Daeseongjeon, the educational space Myeongnyundang, the space for preparing food called jusa, the outer three-gate that serves as the main gate of the hyanggyo, and the inner three-gate in front of Daeseongjeon. In 2005, Ilsinjae (日新齋) and Jikbangjae (直方齋), corresponding to Dongmu and Seomu, were restored; Ilsinjae stores ceremonial robes (jebok), and Jikbangjae stores ritual vessels (jegi). Entering through the outer three-gate and climbing the stairs, one finds Myeongnyundang, a hip-and-gable-roofed building measuring five kan across the front and two kan on the side; and passing through the inner three-gate located behind Myeongnyundang, one comes to Daeseongjeon, a gable-roofed building measuring three kan across the front and three kan on the side, which forms a separate space. Daeseongjeon is where the spirit tablets of 25 sages, including Confucius, are enshrined, and to this day a Seokjeonje rite is held there each spring and autumn.