Gicheonseowonji

Gicheonseowon is a seowon (Confucian academy) established to honor the scholarship and virtue of Kim An-guk (1478-1543), a civil official of the early Joseon Dynasty. Designated as Cultural Heritage Material No. 75, it is a representative private school and local self-governing organization of the Joseon Dynasty in Yeoju-si. Originally founded in 1580 (the 13th year of King Seonjo's reign) as Maamseowon at Maam to enshrine the spirit tablet of Kim An-guk, it was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin Waeran) and relocated to its current site in 1608 (the 41st year of King Seonjo's reign) for restoration. Later, it enshrined a total of eight renowned sages from the reign of King Jungjong to King Hyojong: Yi Eon-jeok, Hong In-u, Yi Won-ik, Jeong Yeop, Yi Sik, Hong Myeong-gu, and Hong Myeong-ha. In 1625 (the 3rd year of King Injo's reign), it received a royal charter (saek) from the king and was elevated to a saekseowon (royally chartered academy), but was abolished in 1871 (the 8th year of King Gojong's reign) under Heungseon Daewongun's decree to dismantle seowon. In 1937, Confucian scholars renovated it into a shrine and called it Mohyeonsa. In 1979, the shrine was newly built to restore its original appearance, and it was again called Gicheonseowon. The premises include a shrine, dongjae (east dormitory), seojae (west dormitory), and sammun (triple gate) without a lecture hall, with Mohyeonsa located next to the seowon. Today, its educational function has ceased, and only the ritual of offering incense in spring and autumn remains; it is not currently open to the public on a regular basis. Nearby attractions include Silleuksa, the birthplace of Empress Myeongseong, Yeongneung (the royal tombs of King Sejong and King Hyojong), Hwangpo Sailship, Pasaseong Fortress, and Ipo Camping Ground, making it a worthwhile area to explore together.