Gangokseowon Confucian Academy

A seowon is a private educational institution of the Joseon Dynasty, established to hold memorial rites for outstanding Confucian scholars and to educate the local community. Gangokseowon is a seowon located on a low hill in Gugyo-ri, Imcheon-myeon, Buyeo-gun, and enshrines Yu Dong-su, a civil official of the late Joseon period. It began as Hyanghyeonsa Shrine, founded by local Confucian scholars in Imcheon Gangok in 1730 (the 6th year of King Yeongjo), was renamed Chang'uisa Shrine in 1732 (the 8th year of King Yeongjo), and was elevated to a seowon in 1740. In 1859 (the 10th year of King Cheoljong), a request for a royal charter was made but not granted, and in 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong), it was demolished under the seowon abolition decree. In 1969, the shrine and seowon were restored on the original site. Yu Dong-su served as magistrate of Noseong-hyeon in 1646 (the 24th year of King Injo) and achieved merit by suppressing a rebellion instigated by local magnates. Near Gangokseowon are Daejosa Temple (Buyeo), Buyeo Garimseong Fortress, Manse Market Agricultural Cooperative Corporation, and Bansanseowon Confucian Academy.