Dodongseowon

Dodongseowon in Dalseong, a Seowon commemorating the “Sohakdongja”

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Planning the visit

Dodongseowon is stop 3 of 9 on the Korean Confucian Academy Route.

The stamp is not at the site itself but at the Tourist information center at Dodongseowon, so check the opening hours of that building rather than the site.

The two closest stamp points are Jisan-dong Tumuli, 11 km away, and Okjeon Tumuli at 16 km. All three fit into one day.

Details

Address: 1, Dodongseowon-ro, Gu-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu
Stamp zone: Tourist information center at Dodongseowon
Phone: 053-616-6407
Coordinates: 35.70092, 128.37190

What the campaign says about it

Dodongseowon was built in 1605 CE to commemorate Kim Gong-pil, who called himself the “Sohakdongja” after his love for the “Sohak” (Lesser Learning), which referred to one of the foundational texts in Neo-Confucianism. “Dodong” means that “the path of Neo-Confucianism has come to the east.” Dodongseowon is known for its efficient layout with buildings arranged in a straight line along its central axis, and the beauty of its architecture (Jungjeongdang Hall, Sadang shrine, walls, etc.). Jungjeongdang Hall, which sits on an elevated foundation, is an auditorium and lecture hall. Here, “Jungjeong” refers to the state of being “straight and upright without being too much or too less.” The outer wall surrounding the compound was built using compacted earth, stones, and tiles, and the scenery created by the roof lines at different heights looks classical and elegant. Dodongseowon is considered one of the five major Seowon academies in Korea along with Oksanseowon, Sosuseowon, Dosanseowon, and Byeongsanseowon. Jungjeongdang Hall, Sadang Shrine, walls at Dalseong Dodongseowon in Dalseong Jungjeongdang Hall is the central structure of the academy used to host events and lectures. Meanwhile, the Sadang shrine is dedicated to ritual ceremonies. It has three sections at the front and three sections to the side, and it enshrines the ancestral tablet of Kim Goeng-pil. Built using the “Matdam” technique with roof tiles embedded in the wall itself, the outer wall surrounding Jungjeongdang Hall at Dodongseowon is striking to look at. Overall, Dodongseowon is a modest and frugal Confucian Academy from the mid-Joseon Dynasty period with a deep tradition, and it is a cultural property that deserves to be protected and preserved.

Quoted from the Visit Korean Heritage Campaign.

Getting there

Take a bus bound for Hyeonpung at Dongseoul Express Bus Terminal → Get off at Hyeonpung Inter-city Bus Terminal → Take bus no. Dalseong-3 at the Hyeonpung Inter-city Bus Terminal bus stop → Get off at Dodongseowon bus stop → Walk for 2 minutes

Photographs

Photographs supplied by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation.