Exploring Seosan Seowon: A Journey into History
Blog Reporter Jo Yoon-hee, 15th Term
Seosan Seowon
- Address: 1235 Sagun-ro, Gunbuk-myeon, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Open year-round
The scorching heat following the dry monsoon makes it hard to breathe as it licks away our time. However, sometimes escaping the daily grind seems like a way to shield ourselves from the heat. So, I traveled to Haman with a teacher I know.
Every summer, the pond in front of Seosan Seowon has been either empty, with dried leaves, or full of green foliage. This time, however, I was delighted to find flowers blooming. It seems I had been waiting for them unknowingly.
The pond in front of the seowon appears to be a white lotus field. Each flower reveals its white petals, exuding a refined fragrance even amidst the summer heat. It felt as if I had met someone I wanted to encounter during this trip ahead of time.
Seosan Seowon, established in 1703 by local Confucian scholars, honors the loyalty and scholarship of Jo Ryeo, a notable figure from Haman, and the Six Loyalists of the early Joseon period.
Within the seowon grounds, traditional structures such as the lecture hall (Sunguidang), shrine (Chunguisah), and various study rooms can be found. When I visited, the roof of Yangjeongdang, the accommodation for the headmaster, was under repair. Despite the heat, I hope it will soon be beautifully restored, ready for my next visit.
Founded in 1703 and designated as a 'sacred seowon' in 1712 with the plaque 'Seosan,' it received royal recognition, meaning it was acknowledged as an educational institution supported by the state.
Being recognized as a sacred seowon came with certain privileges, including tax exemptions and a higher status as an officially recognized institution.
At the back of the learning space lies Chunguisah, where the spirit tablets of the Six Loyalists are enshrined. The Six Loyalists remained loyal to King Danjong even after his dethronement. Their names include Kim Si-seup, Won Ho, Jo Ryeo, Lee Maeng-jeon, Seong Dam-su, and Nam Hyo-on.
Jo Ryeo, from Haman, returned home and lived in seclusion after King Sejo ascended the throne. People later referred to the mountain where he secluded himself as Baegisan.
Today, the spirit of the Six Loyalists is honored annually on September 9 with a ritual called Gukcheonje, commemorating their unwavering loyalty.
In the past, the pond in front of the seowon was a place of tranquility, surrounded by the beauty of nature. It has become a place for those seeking to connect with their roots, as it did for me during my visit.
Chaimijeong, located within the old seowon grounds, symbolizes the integrity of the Six Loyalists, who refused to serve the usurper King Sejo.
As I stood before Chaimijeong, I reflected on my connection to Jo Ryeo and the history of Haman, feeling a sense of strength amidst the heat.
Images of the serene surroundings and the blooming flowers captured the essence of my visit, reminding me of the importance of preserving our history and culture.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224362033755
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