Songdam Seowon (Gangneung)

Songdam Seowon, located in Gangneung, is a seowon (Confucian academy) dedicated to Munseonggong Yulgok Yi I. At the time of its founding, it was located at Wanggogae in Haksan-ri, Gujeong-myeon, and was originally named Seokcheon Seowon.

The academy was first established in Haksan-ri in the 2nd year of King Injo's reign (1624), led by Gangwon Provincial Governor Yun An-seong, Gangneung Magistrate Gang Ju, and local residents Kim Mong-ho and Yi Sang-pil. In the 3rd year of King Hyojong's reign (1652), it was moved to its current location through consultations between Gangwon Provincial Governor Kim Ik-hui and Gangneung Magistrate Yi Man-yeong. At that time, the building complex consisted of a 6-kan shrine, a 7-kan side corridor, 3-kan east and west study halls each, a 10-kan lecture hall, a 3-kan Gwangjeru Pavilion, and a 2-kan library.