Gyoha Hyanggyo

Hyanggyo were national educational institutions of the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, established to enshrine memorial tablets of great Confucian scholars, conduct ancestral rites, and provide education and moral cultivation for local residents. Gyoha Hyanggyo is a representative Joseon-era government school designated as a Gyeonggi-do cultural property in Paju-si. Paju-si has three hyanggyo: Paju Hyanggyo, Gyoha Hyanggyo, and Jeokseong Hyanggyo, of which this is one. Originally founded in 1407 (the 7th year of King Taejong's reign) in Galhyeon-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon, it was moved to its current location in 1731 (the 7th year of King Yeongjo's reign) after being designated as the guardian temple for Paju Jangneung. In 1968, the walls were repaired; in 1971, Daeseongjeon and its附属 buildings were reconstructed; in 1973, the walls and stylobate of Daeseongjeon were repaired. In 1981, Myeongnyundang was relocated to expand the courtyard of Daeseongjeon inside Naesammun, and in 1992, Gyojiksa was relocated. The building layout follows the typical 'front school, rear shrine' form. Daeseongjeon is a gable-roofed building with a front veranda, featuring an open front veranda for smooth ceremonial circulation and clear directional orientation. Today, its educational function has ceased, and it conducts incense offerings on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, as well as the spring and autumn Seokjeon rituals held twice a year. It is about 7 minutes by car from Geumchon IC and about 4 minutes from Geumneung Station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Nearby attractions include Paju Publishing City, Heyri Art Village, Imjingak, and Majang Lake.