Dongjukseowon Confucian Academy

Seowon are private educational institutions established by local Confucian scholars from the mid-Joseon period onward to study Neo-Confucianism and hold memorial rites for distinguished Confucian scholars. Dongjukseowon is a seowon located in Sanghak-ri, Deokcheon-myeon, Jeongeup-si. It was built in 1960 by local Confucian scholars to honor Jeongam Jo Gwang-jo and Deokchon Choe Hui-jeong. In 1516 (the 11th year of King Jungjong's reign), when the Jurchen invaded Hamgyeong Province, Jo Gwang-jo recommended Deokchon Choe Hui-jeong, who greatly defeated the enemy. King Jungjong, highly valuing this achievement, granted the entrance of Dongjuksan Mountain, where the seowon now stands. Later, in 1844 (the 10th year of King Heonjong's reign), local Confucian scholars united to build a shrine to commemorate Choe Hui-jeong's merits and scholarly virtue, enshrining his spirit tablet. In 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong's reign), it was demolished under Heungseon Daewongun's decree to abolish seowon, but was relocated and rebuilt at its current site in 1900. At that time, it was renamed Dongjukseowon, and Jo Gwang-jo was also enshrined together. The spirit tablets of Choe Hui-jeong and Jo Gwang-jo are enshrined in the center of the shrine, and memorial rites are held every February and August. Around Namgoseowon, there are the Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Park and the Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Hall.