Dobongseowon (Seoul)

Dobongseowon is the most representative seowon (Confucian academy) in Seoul today, where Jo Gwang-jo and Song Si-yeol, the most iconic Neo-Confucian scholars of the early and late Joseon period, are enshrined (with spirit tablets and rituals). It is a sa-aek seowon (a seowon granted authority by receiving a plaque, books, land, and slaves from the king during the Joseon dynasty). Famous poets and calligraphers such as Baeksa Yi Hang-bok left literary works here. Although most of the site was destroyed in 1871 due to the seowon abolition decree, unlike other seowon in Seoul, the stylobate of the shrine and the carved stone group (gakseokgun) introduced as remains of Dobongseowon in historical records remain largely intact in the valley in front of the site, allowing the boundaries of the ruins to be relatively clearly identified. Moreover, apart from these remains, the area has long been regarded as a scenic spot (gyeongseungji) for its beautiful landscapes in various documents and poems, making it of great preservation value.

(Source: National Heritage Administration)