Gangokseowon Confucian Academy

A seowon is a private educational institution of the Joseon Dynasty, established to hold memorial rites for outstanding Confucian scholars and to educate local residents. Gangokseowon is a seowon located on a low hill in Gugyo-ri, Imcheon-myeon, Buyeo-gun, and enshrines Yu Dong-su, a civil official of the late Joseon period. It began as Hyanghyeonsa Shrine, founded by local Confucian scholars in Imcheon Gangok in 1730 (the 6th year of King Yeongjo), and was renamed Chang'uisa Shrine in 1732 (the 8th year of King Yeongjo). It was elevated to a seowon in 1740. In 1859 (the 10th year of King Cheoljong), an application for a royal charter was made but not granted. In 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong), it was demolished under the seowon abolition decree, but the shrine and seowon were restored on the original site in 1969. Yu Dong-su served as the magistrate of Noseong-hyeon in 1646 (the 24th year of King Injo) and achieved merit by suppressing a rebellion instigated by local powerful families. Near Gangokseowon are Daejosa Temple (Buyeo), Buyeo Garimseong Fortress, Manse Market Agricultural Cooperative Corporation, and Bansanseowon Confucian Academy. Address: 31-4, Seongheung-ro 283beon-gil, Imcheon-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do