Dongjuk Seowon

A seowon is a private educational institution established by local Confucian scholars after the mid-Joseon period to study academics and hold memorial rites for distinguished Confucian scholars. Dongjuk Seowon is a seowon located in Sanghak-ri, Deokcheon-myeon, Jeongeup-si. It was built in 1960 by local Confucian scholars to honor Jeongam Jo Gwang-jo and Deokchon Choe Hui-jeong. In 1516 (the 11th year of King Jungjong's reign), when the Jurchen invaded Hamgyeong Province, Jo Gwang-jo recommended Deokchon Choe Hui-jeong, who greatly defeated the enemy. King Jungjong, highly valuing this achievement, granted the entrance of Dongjuk Mountain, where the seowon now stands. Later, in 1844 (the 10th year of King Heonjong's reign), local Confucian scholars united to build a shrine to commemorate Choe Hui-jeong's achievements and scholarly virtue, enshrining his spirit tablet. In 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong's reign), it was demolished under Heungseon Daewongun's order to abolish seowons, but in 1900 it was relocated to its current site and rebuilt. At this time, it was renamed Dongjuk Seowon, and Jo Gwang-jo was also enshrined together. The spirit tablets of Choe Hui-jeong and Jo Gwang-jo are enshrined in the center of the shrine, and memorial rites are held every February and August. Around Namgo Seowon, there are the Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Park and the Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Hall.