Sosu Confucian School in South Korea

Sosu Confucian School in South Korea is the first Confucian academy established in Korea. It was founded by Ju Sebung (1495-1554) who was serving as the magistrate of Pungseong County. The academy is located at 152-8 Naejuk-ni, Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju-si in Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is an ancient academy established during the Silla Dynasty. Designated as National Treasure No.55, it is at the entrance of the Suksusa Temple.

Features of Sosu Confucian School in South Korea

  -   The remnants of the first stones used to build the temple and the Buldae Seated Stone Figure are still left in Sosu Seowon.
  -   The Sunheung region is the hometown of Yuhyeon Anhyang (1243 -1306), a Confucian scholar who lived during the end of the Goryeo Dynasty.
  -   In 1542, the 37th year of King Jungjong's reign (1506 -1544) of the Joseon Dynasty, Punggi County headman Jusaebung built Baekundong Seowon to extol the peaceful times of Goryeo.
  -   Baekundong Seowon, established for the advancement of Human Nature and Natural Laws, was changed to Sosu Seowon in 1550.
  -   The academy gained even more prestige when Toegye Yi Hwang (1501-1570), the preeminent Neo-Confucian philosopher of Korea, became magistrate of the county.
  -   In 1550, during the reign of King Myeongjong of the Joseon Dynasty, Toegye Yi Hwang established it as the first legislated private institute of Korea.
  -   It was the only Seowon that survived the Seowon Abolishment of Heungseon Daewongun Regent in 1871.
  -   It has been well preserved and it still retains its old structure.
  -   Okgyesu, a stream of the Nakdonggang River coming from the Mt. Sobaeksan, is on the right side of the Seowon entrance.
  -   There is an auditorium with a 'Sosu Seowon' sign, engraved by King Myeongjong, inside the Seowon.
  -   Behind the auditorium, there are Jikbangjae, Ilshinjae, Hakgujae and Jirakjae.
  -   The portrait of Anhyang which was painted at the end of Goryeo Dynasty and the Munseong Tomb where the Daesungjisung King Munseon's Jeonjwado is enshrined are on the east side are the Seogo,.