[2024 Andong-si Attraction] Travel Guide for Dosan Seowon (Updated Nov)
Historical Sites
Address:
154 Dosanseowon-gil, Dosan-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Opening times:
Opens at 9:00-17:00Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
+82 54-840-6576
Dosan Seowon 도산서원
#koreatrip This place was a private educational institution of Joseon dynasty. 'Seowon' was constructed all over the country for cultivating talented people. They studied mostly learning of Confucianism. Seowon also performed a role of holding a memorial service for Confucianism saints. 'Dosan Seowon' is one of the most famous Seowon in Korea. Andong was a seat of learning in Joseon dynasty because its beautiful scenery and calming atmosphere. Thanks to this atmosphere people could focus on their studying. When you visit Dosan Seowon, you can realize why lots of Joseon people came to Andong to study. This Seowon is famous because its 'Seodang'. Dosan Seodang was established by Lee Hwang who is a most famous Confucian scholar. If you visit Andong, please come to Dosan Seowon and feel the nobility of confucian scholar in Joseon Dynasty.
Claire’s Adventures
Trip to Dosan Seowon in Winter Season
#wintertrip
Sisadan can be seen across the river. It was built in 1796 to celebrate the civil service entrance exam testing location of 1792. A civil service exam was held here, giving local residents the opportunity to enter public service. King Jungjo directly graded the exam.
So many people showed up that they were forced to move the location. Of the 7,200 applicants, only 11 scholars passed the exam. The building was rebuilt in
1824. After the construction of the Andong dam, Sisadan was submerged. The embankment had to be raised in 1974 to keep it above water.
KimPS
Trip to Dosan Seowon in Winter Season
#wintertrip
At the top of the complex, there is a shrine (Sangdeoksa Shrine) for Yi Hwang's ancestral tablet.
The shrine (National Treasure no. 211) was built by his follower Jo Mok and is considered a sacred place.
Unlike most shrines, this one has an elaborate style with a hip-and-gable roof. Ceremonies to honor Yi Hwang are held here twice a year. To enter the stone walls, you need to pass through the 3-door gate. The center door is reserved for the spirits of those honored in the shrine while the outer doors are used by participants. Unfortunately, gate was closed when I went.
KimPS
Trip to Dosan Seowon in winter season
#wintertrip
The history of Dosan Seowon can't be written without mentioning Yi Hwang. Yi Hwang (pen name Toegye) is considered by many to be the most important Korean philosopher, writer, and Confucian scholar during the Joseon dynasty. The academy was established (1574) four years after Hwang's death by some of his followers. Yi Hwang had retired to this location in 1549 and had started construction of the academy. It is said that Hwang used to walk along the cliffs here to think about the fundamental principles of nature.