K-Heritage.tv

X
You can access this page directly by scanning the QR code with mobile.

UHD Korea Seowon

The Seowon, Humanities from 500 years ago

The Seowon, Humanities from 500 years ago 이미지

Sosuseowon Academy, Guiding Path for All Academies 이미지

Dodongseowon Academy, Where the Way is Found in the East 이미지

Donamseowon Academy, Encountering the Essence of the Study of Ritual 이미지

Script Open Close: Water in front with mountains at the back A Confucian school in the forest. Surrounded by nature This place surrounded by mountains and streams An educational space becomes|part of the landscape is a 500-year-old academic institution. This school has produced many talents|during the Joseon dynasty. Recollecting Toegye from 500 years ago Teachers chant scriptures|while students gain new insight. Teachers and students discuss freely|as they are peers in academia. A person's character and emotions come from different places. That is not so. A person's character|and emotions cannot be separated. What and how to teach students? Joseon's private school|called the Confucian school has the answer to producing talents. The Confucian school was established|during a time when the country needed a new political elite in government,|and their goal was education. A student and a teacher find a Confucian school in a beautiful natural backdrop and travel back 500 years|to discover the study of humanities. UHD Special: Korea's Confucian Schools|The Seowon,|Humanities from 500 Years Ago Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju, North Gyeongsang province Located at the foot of Mt. Sobaek|in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang province, the student and teacher's journey|to the Confucian school begins at Sosu Seowon, Joseon's|first Confucian school. The teacher dedicated|to a life of private education Department of History|Konkuk University Prof. Shin Byeongju leads the way for his students|immersed in Joseon history. The pine trees and the atmosphere|around the school is excellent. This is the kind of place|that makes you want to study. Sosu Seowon During the 36th year of King Jungjong's reign, Ju Sebung, who was the magistrate|of Punggi county, built Sosu Seowon. Young Confucian scholars who dreamed|of taking state examinations came here. Sangeuprye Manners Back when it was built,|it was called Baegundong Seowon. Toegye Yi Hwang received a royal charter|and since has been known as Sosu Seowon. People today still enroll in the program|for the traditional state preliminary examination. Sosu Seowon was built in 1543 Korean Confucian Scholar |Institute Dongyang University Prof. Kang Guyul and discontinued its courses in 1883, for a 345 year-long hiatus. The school revived its program in 2016 after 128 years since its closing|to restore its function as a Confucian school. The Myeongryundang has been|the classroom for generations. Civil exam lessons at Sosu Seowon Before the Confucian school,|education was exclusive to national schools. However, national schools only accepted|students of certain classes. People outside of the capital|needed a place of education. That's how private institutions began. The goal of private education was to teach Neo-Confucianism,|the political ideology of Joseon. Confucian schools produced talents|with character and intelligence. Joseon society needed new |and elite government officials The Academy of Korean Studies Prof. Jeong Soonwoo that could govern the country at that time. These Confucian schools were the answer. The Confucian school was built to fill |a need to generate a new political elite that could rule the country, and its key goal was to educate. They were taught Neo-Confucian diplomacy, and a sense of order in Neo-Confucian terms. We trace back to our ancestor's|education system at the Confucian school. The student and teacher's curiosity|of a 500-year-old world is growing. Have you heard of that saying before? What do I wash when the water is clean? The strings of my hat. But if the water is dirty, I wash my feet. Does the Confucian school have |to be built around water and hills? They do. The golden location is |where there is a stream in front and mountains at the back. That's where they would build these schools. What was the function and role|of the Confucian school in the Joseon era? The most important function was|the memorial rites of the sages and education of the students. Granted that there is a prominent scholar|from that school. Toegye Yi Hwang was the top Confucian scholar|from the Joseon Dynasty. Dosan-myeon, Andong, North Gyeongsang province This is Dosan Seowon, located|in Andong, North Gyeongsang province. This school was built for Toegye Yi Hwang|to teach his students. Dosan Seowon Toegye Yi Hwang contributed greatly to the growth of Confucian schools,|including Sosu Seowon. This was due to the significance|of education and memorial rites. Autumn Memorial Rite, Dosan Seowon On the day of Toegye Yi Hwang's memorial, the student and teacher would meet again. On the memorial days in February and August, Confucian factions from all over the country|would gather at Dosan Seowon. Sangdeoksa Temple, located at the back is where the memorial rite takes place. The way and sequence of all memorial rites are based on the records of Toegye Yi Hwang. Toegye Yi Hwang ancestral tablet Pork and rice are the fundamental elements, with dry side dishes, and wet side dishes, which are mostly seafood. Kimchi made from chives and radish, salted fish, chestnuts and dates, and dried seafood such as octopus were served. The rite was carried out|by three officials and six stewards. The order of the memorial rite was|carried out according to strict rules. A basic memorial rite included burning of the incense and bowing. The preparations for the memorial rite|would be done at the kitchen quarters, where the altar moonshine is poured first. A prayer is read when the ritual official|offers a drink at the altar. Every Confucian school would produce|a highly-educated sage, who is remembered till this day|through memorial rites. The sages from the area |that are most respected Director at Preservation|and Management Organization|for Korean Seowon Lee Baeyong would be remembered |at the memorial rites. The memorial rites wouldn't be|just for one sage, but all the students that |are affiliated with the school. The students that studied at that school would step into the real world|as some of the brightest talents. We can see their names in the guestbook|at the Confucian school, also known as shimwonrok. Source: Advanced Center for Korean Studies The "Simwonrok" at Dosan Seowon When you look at the guest books|from Dosan Seowon, Source: Advanced Center for Korean Studies The "Youwonrok" at Dosan Seowon you will learn that Dosan Seowon had the most Confucian factions and scholars|who attended the memorial rites. These are the names of the Namin Party scholars,|academic descendants of Toegye Yi Hwang. They would visit each other and share educational programs,|debate and discuss, to create a kind of academic network. It was a wide network,|spanning different provinces. The network was based not only|on teacher-student relationships, but also on educational exchanges they had with other areas,|which they would also learn and share. After Toegye Yi Hwang passed away, Dosan Seodang What kind of teacher was Toegye Yi Hwang? He spent all his life in the classroom,|teaching students. After Toegye Yi Hwang passed away, the school was comprised mainly |of the buildings built by his students. The school at Dosan Seowon is |where Toegye taught his students. This is the place where |we can feel his presence that has been left behind for 500 years. The school was built by Yi Hwang in 1560 after he left his post|and left for the countryside. the common room at Dosan Seodang Amseohyeon In this vertical, north-facing structure, the room, kitchen and common room all take up a unit of space,|and is simple and clean. Wanrakjae was Yi Hwang's room, where he read and meditated into his old age. the bedroom at Dosan Seodang Wanrakjae Wanrakjae is a small, single-unit room, but it's where Yi Hwang used to store thousands of books and simple bedding. Source: Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art "Gyesangjeonggeodo" by Gyeomjae Jeongseon A painting titled Gyesangjeonggeodo depicted the school in nature|during Yi Hwang's lifetime. The painting captures the modest school|as well as its lofty ideals of scholarship. All Confucian scholars dream|of becoming a sage. The Academy of Korean Studies Prof. Jeong Soonwoo A sage is not a spiritual |or a mysterious being, nor is their education aimed|at gaining power or titles or attaining a higher status than others|as a gauge of their success. It's a person who is conscious|of morals and ethics, can transcend their limitations, their personal stubbornness|or preconceived notions to become a true person of character that is considered a true sage. That was the fundamental goal|of every Confucian scholar. Source: The Advanced Center for Korean Studies "Eonhaengrok of Hakbong" Toegye wanted his students to become sages. "The only concern is about raising virtue,|so do not worry over the lack of talent.|You can be of lowly class with talent,|and you are not deterred from|being virtuous for lack of talent." In Toegye Yi Hwang's memoir, he urges them to persevere to become sages. One must ponder about the world|and see through it in order to become a true person of character. Read after me as I read today's chapter. Your feet should be heavy Walk cautiously, keep your hands humble and your hands humble. Walk cautiously and observe your footsteps|Use your hands humbly and observe them Confucian schools taught comprehension,|independent studying and presenting, rather than holding one-way lectures. Explain what you have read. Who will present first? The teacher does his all to teach his students what he knows and the student respects his teacher|with all his heart. It means to tread carefully. That is correct. In order to become a sage, you must be sincere yet cautious. Toegye used the natural spring|as an analogy for a teacher. The Academy of Korean Studies Prof. Jeong Soonwoo A traveler embarking on a journey will go to the natural spring when they are tired or thirsty to regain strength and set back out on their way. When students question their lives and are tired and troubled, they will go to the natural spring|that is their teacher to feel a new sense of life. This analogy speaks of the teacher as an assistant and a facilitator. The course is not based on memorization|or one-dimensional learning, but one in which the student |is subjectified and had full control over the education program. Andong, Gyeongsang province, 1558 The teacher and the student|get acquainted as human beings, and the student naturally becomes a friend in learning. Gwangsan, Jeolla province That is why the student and teacher|were able to discuss freely at the school. The intellectual debate between Toegye Yi Hwang|and his student Gobong Ki Daeseung is a well-known example. A person's character and emotions|come from different places. The Four Beginnings are manifested by principles. The Seven Emotions are manifested by energy. That is not so. A person's character and emotions|cannot be separated. One cannot separate principle and energy. This eight-year debate continued|between the teacher and the student in spite of their age difference of 26 years. An eight-year-long debate between Toegye Yi Hwang|and Gobong Ki Daeseung in 1559 via written correspondence Four Beginnings and Seven Emotions This became the Four Beginnings|and Seven Emotions debate. Did the teaching methods of Joseon|involve one-way lectures like today? It's characteristic of Joseon-era education that the Confucian schools held discussions where everyone was encouraged|to share their own ideas. A classic example is Toegye Yi Hwang, who would listen to those much younger than him without any reservations. Students nowadays are taught to cram, and they aren't used to discussions. People often mention western countries|such as the U.S. as places where discussions are the norm but it is notable that we can find|the discussion method of teaching in our traditional education system. The tradition of discussion|had already taken root 500 years ago at Confucian schools. The architecture of the Confucian schools|hint at the independent learning environment. Bakyakjae Hall The students' living quarters were|on the east and west, facing each other, Hongeuijae Hall to encourage and to aid supervision. Map of Dosan Seowon Nongwunjeongsa|Sangdeoksa Temple|Gwangmyeongsil|Hagojiksa|Dosan Seodang Past the entrance is the independent study room, while the yard is between|the east and west building, making it easy for the teacher to supervise. The shrines for memorial rites|are located at the back. The road to the school is always filled with trees, skies, and forest,|along with the sounds of birds and wind. My mind becomes blank|when I am in front of the teacher. That's how I am too. I'm glad I'm not the only one. When the students step out to relieve stress, nature becomes a playground for them. The person picking the last leaf|has to present first. Let me go first. I'll present first today. I won today. Don't you see this small leaf here? I'll be going first today. Then it's been decided. Let's go. A scholar would wander around the school Growing a tree in the yard|has yielded fruits shaped like persimmons|The heavy shadow covers the ground,|the tall vines have created a pillar.|Even the birds know where to linger,|they make noises as the wind blows,|they make noises as the wind blows deep.|Now that I can linger and my heart can rest,|it stops me from making my way back. and start reciting poetry, inspired by nature. The Confucian school is where students learn the teachings of wise men|and foster self-discipline, which makes for a special|teacher-student relationship. When you're stepping on ground,|know where you are stepping on. When you're walking, walk with caution|and observe the shape of your feet... The expression, "You shall not step|on the shadow of a teacher" Director at Preservation|and Management Organization|for Korean Seowon Lee Baeyong does not refer to a distant teacher. It's about a loving relationship|with a respected teacher and leader. This is a human relationship|combined with shared knowledge, which expands into the larger society, forming the basis for character-building |in education. Teachers in the Joseon Dynasty|acted as facilitators as their students advanced|beyond elementary education are like wells in the forest Teachers and strived to cultivate themselves. Teachers helped students to practice|what they have learned. This is why Gobong Ki Daeseung|expressed his gratitude towards Toegye's parental, heavenly grace. The most distinct feature of this school|is the pavilion. Byeongsan Seowon Mandaeru Pavilion Pilam Seowon Hwakyeonru Pavilion The pavilion is the optimal resting area|for students after a long day. Oksan Seowon Mubyeonru Pavilion Dodong Seowon Suwolru Pavilion Pavilions are usually located|at the entrance of Confucian schools, Donam Seowon Sanangru Pavilion so that students can appreciate nature|while immersing in contemplation. Museong Seowon Hyeongaru Pavilion The Confucian school offered|"jangsu" and "yousik." Director at Preservation|and Management Organization|for Korean Seowon Lee Baeyong Jangsu refers to academia|and maintaining the right attitude then sharing it with others as a means of discipline and virtue. Yousik is about observing nature|in a relaxed state, and learning wisdom |from the order of nature. In that sense, the pavilion was|a medium of communication. Andong, North Gyeongsang province Byeongsan Seowon The Confucian philosophy|of human and nature being one can be seen in the architecture of the school. - Can you read the signboard?|- It says "Bongnyemun." What do you think it means? It's from the Analects of Confucius. Yes, to transcend oneself and restore decorum. What's written on the signboard is meant to be remembered,|encouraging people to feel determined to follow decorum and transcend themselves. The location of Byeongsan Seowon|is impeccable according to feng shui. It is built like other Confucian schools. Bokyemun Gate|admissions office|Jondeoksa Temple|east wing|library|Mandaeru Pavilion Every school is divided into natural space,|study space, and the memorial site, and these spaces are connected for learning. Byeongsan Seowon is said to be|the epitome of Confucian schools, Department of Architecture|Mokwon University Prof. Lee Wangkee amalgamating nature, architecture,|and human beings to express the "jangsu" quality. Byeongsan Seowon. The school, which faces north,|has a mountain behind it and faces Mt. Byeongsan across the Nakdong river. The auditorium and pavilion are placed|in full sight of the mountains so that viewers can observe seasonal changes Admissions office and become one with nature. We are at the study space now,|where students used to study. The head teachers and regular teachers|would frequent this place. That building over there, That building over there, called Myeongseongjae,|is where the head teacher would stay and the teachers would stay|at the Gyeonghuijae. This is where the students stayed. Students and teachers |would live at the school. Between the east building |and west building, where would you rather go?|Which one do you think is better? - Which is better?|- I'd go the west building. You can tell which one is better. The upperclassmen would be |in the east building and the lowerclassmen |at the west building. East wing West wing This is the memorial site. It holds the shrine of Seoae Ryu Seongryong. Byeongsan Seowon looks more beautiful|in the summer with crepe myrtles in full bloom. Jondeoksa Temple The person whose death students observe Seoae Ryu Seongryeong Ancestral Tablet is Seoae Ryu Seongryeong. Mandaeru Pavilion What is the feng shui interpretation|of the Mandaeru pavilion at Byeongsan Seowon? - Isn't the Mandaeru pavilion lovely?|- It's so pretty. The Mandaeru pavilion has eight pillars|and is 30 meters long. It can accommodate 200 students for a class or a gathering. Since Mt. Byeongsan|surrounds the school like a fort, Mandaeru mitigates the imposing effect, taking on the feng shui role of mediating between the school and nature. People create while nature lingers "Man" means late |and "dae" means treatment. The name derives from |the Chinese poem by Tu Fu, where he says the later|you admire a green wall, the better. The mountains around |Byeongsan Seowon feel like a wall and the Nakdonggang River|is much more beautiful at sunset, is much more beautiful at sunset, so it means the later |you stay here, the better. It's the kind of place Tu Fu was talking about, which is how the pavilion got its name. Neo-Confucianism is about |continuously exploring the fundamentals of nature |and human beings. This kind of design connects|human beings to nature and is based on Neo-Confucian ideals, prompting students to study it deeply|and cultivate themselves. Byeongsan Seowon is the finest example|of such architecture. Confucian schools are considered the best place to study human beings in nature. A place deep in the mountains, Confucian schools taught classes in humanities. Facing humanities, an age-old promise This was where you could acquire|knowledge and ethics and, to this day, remains a cradle of humanities. Hello, everyone. These are management-level employees in finance. What will they learn today at a place which once produced the leaders of Joseon? There is no end to human desire |and ambition. You can learn how to control these desires, greed, and ambition, which dictate what you want|to do, see, say, or hear. The people who come here|store their belongings away. People back in the day|considered the ability to control human desire and greed as etiquette. The highest virtue of being a leader|is to limit personal interest and gain. This is a time to look back on the wrongful desires of overzealous officials. Meanwhile, what did the attendees of the memorial rites take away from such services? Tracing back to the times of Toegye Yi Hwang, Participant at the Confucian Scholar Training Center|at Dosan Seowon An Jeonggi As a person living today, I was really happy to have felt his virtue and spirit|even in such a short amount of time. The students became one with nature Participant at the Confucian Scholar Training Center|at Dosan Seowon Cho Yunsik and studied here with a modest attitude. It was a chance to look back at myself. The tradition of humanities, which is the highlight of Confucian schools, is lost in education today. The Academy of Korean Studies Prof. Jeong Soonwoo When we restore what we have lost, I firmly believe the culture |of Confucian schools and their fundamental spirit will |significantly benefit the people of today. Yeonsan-myeon, Nonsan, South Chungcheong province We learned about the tradition of humanities|in Confucian schools 500 years ago. Donam Seowon The student and teacher move on to the foot of Mt. Gyeryongsan,|where studies of rites blossomed. This is Donam Seowon, located|in Nonsan of South Chungcheong. This Confucian school encourages|more than simply "knowing." Kim Jangsaeng is the most renowned sage|out of Donam Seowon. Sagye Kim Jangsaeng wrote many books|on rites, such as "Gaeryejipram." Donam Seowon is known|as the home of studies of rites. Yangseongdang Hall This is Yangseongdang, the classroom|where Sagye Kim Jangsaeng taught the study of rites. This is also his home where he stayed|until his death at the age of 84. Sagye Kim Jangsaeng is a recognized master on the study of rites, who taught|the crowned prince during King Injo's reign. According to the study of rites,|a country will become chaotic when rites are not followed. The basic principle was practicing|what you know. Kim Jangsaeng believed that Director at Preservation|and Management Organization|for Korean Seowon Lee Baeyong rites were at the center of social order back in 17th century Joseon. This also applied to the ruler |and his people, students and teachers,|and parents and their children. The fundamentals of the study of rites is the rule of give and take, where mutual respect is essential. Jangseogak archives, The Academy of Korean Studies "Uiryemunhae" The textbook on the study of rites was written by his son Kim Jip. "Uiraemunhae" uses a question-and-answer format to describe rites for funerals, memorials,|customs, and weddings. The space that exemplifies Kim Jangsaeng's|philosophy of rites is the Eungdodang. Eungdodang is a 5 by 3 structure, with a roof with double-layer eaves. Eungdodang was used as a hall of Donam Seowon and was moved here|after the death of Kim Jangsaeng. It exemplifies the architectural style|described in "Garyejipram," Eungdodang Hall written by Kim Jangsaeng. Jangpangak Library Teachers in the past would study all the time. Every Confucian school had a Jeongpangak,|which was a library and printing place. Kim Jangsaeng's books like|"The Complete Collection of Sagye" and the original wooden block engravings|on the rites of family are kept here. Sagye Kim Jangsaeng |from Chungcheong province and Hangang Jeonggu |from Yeongnam province were experts that, at times,|had different interpretations on rites. For instance, how many years|one must wear funeral clothing when the queen passes away, or what the queen has to wear when the king passes away |are put to debate. This is the spirit of Neo-Confucianism|of the Joseon Dynasty, which puts knowledge into practice. This sort of scholarly spirit can be|applied to our daily lives. Guji-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu Dodong Seowon This is Dodong Seowon, another Confucian school|in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, where the scholarly spirit is well and alive. This pavilion was named|after the reflection of the moon on the Nakdonggang River |when you look down on it. This door makes you crouch,|which means you need a humble attitude when you step through the doors. I'm affected by a sense of reverence and I feel like I shouldn't even|step on your shadow. Aren't you lucky? I'm short so my shadow takes up less space. I'm sure the students with tall teachers|had a tough time being courteous. There's no record |of Han Hweondang's height, but it says he had a handsome beard. I'm sure it would be considered arrogant for his students to touch his beard. During Gapjasawa, Kim Goengpil told the executioner not to touch his beard before his execution. Rumor has it that he coiffed his beard and made sure it looked nice|before he was executed. Jungjeongdang Hall There is a modest beauty in Dodong Seowon, in spite of its lack of decorative elements. Each pillar has white paint around it. Why do you think that is? Is it because of bugs? The deaths of five scholars are remembered at the Munmyo shrines at Sungkyunkwan. Kim Goengpil, Jeong Yeochang, Cho Gwangjo,|Lee Eonjeok, and Toegye Yi Hwang. These five are memorialized. Kim Goengpil was the first|and the finest of the five sages, which is why there is white paint |on the pillars. The irregular rocks at the base|are stacked like a fortress. They are reminiscent of pieces of patchwork. Do you see this? It looks like a human being|and a squirrel at the same time. Yes, it does. These engravings tell you|to go up from here. You'll see the squirrel going down|on the other side of the wall. That was their own humorous way to signify the arrow back in those days. That's so cute. It takes seven steps to the Jungjeongdang. The stone steps on each side of the structure gives the Jungjeongdang a sophisticated edge. Earthen walls of Dodong Seowon National treasure no. 350 The wall has been designated|as a national treasure for its intricate design. A Confucian school is where you study|and observe memorial rites, so it is created in a strict manner. But when you look at the architectural aspects|of the Dodong Seowon, Department of Architecture|Mokwon University Prof. Lee Wangkee you can see the humor within |the strict and solemn design. Dodong Seowon, situated on a steep hill, is where Han Hweondang Kim Goengpil|and Hangang Jeonggu's shrine lie. As described in Kim Goengpil's "Gangshimweolilju," "When I sit at Jungjeongdang,|over the low-hanging wall," "I can enjoy the view of the river|cast by the moon." Sosu Seowon Dodong Seowon There are 14 Confucian schools|in Yeongnam, three in the Honam area, Dosan Seowon Oksan Seowon 17 in the Gyeonggi and Hoseo area,|amounting to 47 in the country. Namgye Seowon Gyeonggi province: 12|Jeolla province: 3|Chungcheong province: 5|Gyeongsang province: 13 Distribution map of the 47 Seowons In late Joseon Dynasty, during the reign|of Heungseong Daewongun, the number grew to 700, and forced the closing of schools|when they became embroiled in politics. The Confucian schools in Yeongnam|are mostly in the mountains, while schools in Honam are on the plains. Source: Gosan Yunseondo Artifact Museum "Gyeongdapmokudo" by Yun Duseo Just like the paintings of Yoon Duseo, life on the farm was observed from the schools. Source: Gosan Yunseondo Artifact Museum "Woman Picking Edible Plants" by Yun Duseo The Confucian schools in Honam|gave rise to artists. The Honam area, compared to other areas, The Academy of Korean Studies Prof. Jeong Soonwoo had more heartwarming,|sentimental literature and music, which were taught actively in schools. That was their tradition of intellect. The Honam area was the cradle |of Gasa poetry, and the many landscapes and romances|provide the backdrop for the poems' main characters. The Confucian schools|carried on intellectual traditions by teaching traditional poetry such as sijo. Nam-myeon, Damyang-gun, South Jeolla province Soswaewon Pagoda Even before Confucian schools were instituted, pagodas were very common in Honam. Gwangpunggak Pagoda Confucian scholars would use the pagoda as their space to study and read. When Cho Gwangjo was exiled during Gimyosawa, Soswaewon Garden was built|by his student Yang Sanbo. Straddling between a pond and a valley, Department of Architecture|Mokwon University Prof. Lee Wangkee Soswaewon Garden was elevated on a hill. They built the structure there to make architecture and nature |come together, as if it was there all along. Writer Kim Inhu from Jangseong, South Jeolla, sang of Soswaewon as follows. Lying in my study room by the stream|lying in my study room by the stream|I read when the window turns bright|The rocks in the water are reflected on my books|Living as a I wish and contemplating with all my might|It's an odd coincidence, the work of the heavens -Kim Inhu's second verse in "48 Verses on Soswayeong" "It is located in Honam,|which is rich in fertile soil and resources," Nam-myeon, Damyang-gun, South Jeolla province Sikyeongjeong Pavilion "where the hearts of scholars|are filled with literary sentimentality." "Sik" means rest, "yeong" means shadow,|and "jeong" means pagoda, so the pagoda's name Sikyeongjeong|is telling the shadow to rest. This is where Songgang Jeongcheol,|the master of gasa poetry, retired. One of the poems he wrote here describes the beauty of the Sikyeongjeong pagoda which changes with the seasons. "Little Odes on Mount Star"|A passing traveler stayed at Mount Star.|The owner of Sikyeongjeong, Seohadang,|Hear ye.|Good things come in life|one enters the desolate forest|and never comes back out...|yet growing fonder of the rivers and mountains, <Little Ode on Mount Star> by Jeong Cheol Confucian schools in Honam|are built close to villages. Hwangryong-myeon, Jangseong-gun, South Jeolla province Schools in Yeongnam were in the forest,|cut away from local residents, Pilam Seowon while schools in Honam interacted|with villages nearby. You've heard of Hongsalmun Gate, right? This means we're stepping into the school. The Hongsalmun is a door mostly built |in front of holy structures. The Hongsalmun can be found|in front of royal tombs. There's a linden tree,|and this is the Gwakyeonru Pavilion. The teacher and students pass the village|to arrive at the Pilam Seowon. As with any other school,|when you step into its gates, Hwakyeonru Pavilion there is a pavilion in the front. Wooam Song Siyeol wrote "Hwakyeonru" on the signboard himself. During the late Joseon dynasty, even Honam was influenced |by the old western faction. Wooam Song Siyeol always |considered Haseo Kim Inhu as someone respected by the faction, which is why he wrote the signboard. Autumn Memorial Rite at Pilam Seowon Unlike the Toegye Yi Hwang school of thought, the Pilam Seowon enshrines Haseo Kim Inhu. Wudongsa Temple His memorial rite is observed in October. The altar food is not much different|from what is served at Dosan Seowon. Pilam Seowon is known to have fostered Haseo Kim Inhu Ancestral Tablet networking in the South Jeolla area. Even to this day, it has a higher number|of local volunteers compared to other Confucian schools. The Gyeongjakgak was built to honor|the heirlooms of the king and ancestors. "Gyeongjakgak," written by Jeongjo It stores the bamboo painting on wood blocks|given by King Injong. Source: Gwangju National Museum "Wood printing blocks of King Injong" It is considered a collaboration|of the ruler and the ruled due to Kim Inhu's poem at the top. So delicate the roots, branches, nodes, and leaves,|my tightly woven heart is buried within.|I've only learned of the harmony of the stars,|I cannot forgo the heavens and the earth. Haseo Kim Inhu's opinion|on the controversial theory of li and qi emphasized li, or principle,|as the root of all things. His school of thought aligns|with the old doctrine. During Haseo Kim Inseo's time, the conflict between |the factions was not yet established. He lived through an era of massacres|against scholars. The most well-known is|the Eulsasahwa Massacre that occured in 1545. King Injong met his demise and King Myeongjong took over |while the massacre occurred. Haseo left his post to retire in the country and focused on educating students. Angang-eup, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang province Oksan Seowon Confucian schools, formerly a place of education, quickly became a space for political|and territorial strife. This is Oksan Seowon,|which memorializes Lee Eonjeok, who lived through one of Joseon's most intense|conflict between factions. Guindang Hall Oksan Seowon was the place of a tragic incident. It was the resistance of Lee Jeonin, who could not enter his father's classroom|for being the son of a concubine. Mubyeonru Pavilion The school was at the center|of territorial strife. The Confucian school was close|to the communities in nearby villages and served as a place for public debate regarding the education and practice of virtue. Chilbo-myeon, Jeongeup, North Jeolla province Museong Seowon Museong Seowon was the hub|for activism by the righteous army. The pillars lined in front of the school|speak of a painful history. Hyeongaru Pavilion This painting depicts scholars|who bemoaned the state of affairs Source: Jeongeup City Museum "Chilgwangdo" by Chae Yongshin and retired to the villages|during Gwanghaegun's reign. The school in the painting is Museong Seowon. Myeongryundang Hall Academia was divided into learning for others|and learning for self-improvement. Head of Taesan Confucian Scholar Culture|and History Museum An Seongyeol Museong Seowon was a school strict |on learning for self-improvement. If you look at their policy, they did not accept students|who wanted to take state exams. It was strictly a place for self-cultivation|and self-discipline, where people live like human beings with a spirit of cooperation|extended to local residents. Taesan Temple Museong Seowon, unlike other schools, produced local officials rather than teachers. Funeral portrait of Choe Chiwon This is where Choe Chiwon studied. Choe Chiwon was the governor of Taesan and a good ruler over the people. As a school affiliated with local officials, Head of Taesan Confucian Scholar Culture|and History Museum An Seongyeol the school sent out the righteous army|when the country was in need. Myeonam Choi Ikhyeon came |to the school in 1906 and sent out the righteous army|to push out the Japanese troops, Memorial Pillar of 1906 but only advanced to Sunchang |and was caught as a prisoner of war to Daemado Island,|where he starved to death in protest. This school was also able to provide internal and external cultivation while also contributing |to the well-being, order, and peace within the village. The uprising of the righteous army|during the Korean empire was an alliance between the governor|and his people. Character-building program at Donam Seowon The Confucian school is our cultural heritage. You have to wear something like this|when you get married in the future. I'm not going to get married. Hyunyoung, Soyoung, and I|decided to live together. - Is that so?|- Yes. Cultural heritage is a tradition|we have to preserve as well as a living hall of humanities|for us today. I'm the 14th descendant to Kim Jangsaeng. Chief of Donam Seowon|and 14th grandson of Sagye Kim Jangsaeng Kim Seonui My 14th grandfather is Kim Jangsaeng. I have accepted the will of my grandfather, which is why I am teaching here today. You made the right decision to come. The women bow with folded arms. Traditional etiquette teaches us|the spirit of the Confucian scholar through the fast-disappearing practices|of benevolence and righteousness. Bow down. Place your right foot behind your left, place your head on your hands, and take your left foot out |when you sit, then get back up. Some Confucian schools open its doors to people who are looking for self-cultivation. Confucian schools weren't about formalities|or success-driven knowledge Director at Preservation|and Management Organization|for Korean Seowon Lee Baeyong but rather about nurturing|the right kind of character. I believe that is a world heritage |of education that we can spread and empathize with in the future. Traditional education instills|the characters of a Confucian scholar, which include sharing, consideration,|communication, union, nature, life, and peace. These are values we should|strive for as a civilization and are found in Confucian schools|or in traditional education systems. 500 years ago, the Confucian school was the foundation|for the humanity we are losing today. A heart for the community and neighbors and a character built from self-cultivation. These are things people must learn today. The Confucian schools illuminated minds|with knowledge while continuously interacting with nature to keep the students' hearts passionate. Education for the gifted is right here, aiming to make the world more beautiful|through "knowing." In this journey to Confucian schools|of 500 years ago, the teacher and students dream of the revival of humanities|in these schools today.

Content: A professor and two students follow the way of teachers and students to the Seowon, the Confucian Schools of Korea. With them, the journey makes you reconsider present educations and value of the Humanities. The film focuses how the education of Seowon worked for 400 years, relationships between teachers and students, methods of teaching and studying, the locations of Seowon and architectural beauties of Seowon. Through the way, you come to face topics of Humanities, which is the essences of Seowon: How will you live your own life? Which competences should we make our children have?

: I801:1804001-001-V00001

List

Next: Sosuseowon Academy, Guiding Path for All Academies

Prev: There are no following post.