Donghae Hyanggyo

In 1980, when Donghae City was established by merging Mukho-ri of Myeongju County and Bukpyeong-ri of Samcheok County, the Confucian scholars who had been incorporated into each of the two regions formed the Donghae Confucian Association in 1990. Donghae Hyanggyo was founded out of the practical need to establish a focal point for promoting morality and developing local culture, as well as to seek an independent path for the Donghae Confucian scholars.

Donghae Hyanggyo is the newest hyanggyo among the 234 nationwide, founded last in 1994. It follows the layout of 'jeonhak humyo' (school in front, shrine in the back), enshrining 39 sages in Daeseongjeon, along with Myeongnyundang, and features a wall resembling the Great Wall of China with lush black bamboo symbolizing the integrity of scholars, combining traditional and modern structure and scale. With the shared will of organizations and passionate Confucian scholars, the founding general meeting was held on September 11, 1993, and construction was actively pursued. After receiving approval for establishment from the head of Seonggyungwan on February 28, 1994, and approval for opening from the head of Seonggyungwan on June 29, 1995, Donghae Hyanggyo was completed after five years of construction on July 9, 1999. In 2006, to promote the ideals of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom, Donghae Confucian University was established, offering high-quality education for 20 to 40 weeks annually in Confucian studies, rituals, scriptures, policies, and health. It also received the honor of being designated as a national model hyanggyo by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for 2006-2007, the first to receive such recognition.