The Donamseowon Confucian Academy was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019 along with other eight Confucian academies, recognized both for its architectural aesthetics and its spiritual values that consistently influenced education, religion, administration, and other elements of social life for hundreds of years.

“Donam” is a word that symbolizes the life of “Sagye” Kim Jang-saeng, who consistently refused calls to serve in government posts and instead focused on advancing studies and nurturing young scholars while enjoying a life close to nature. The academy’s root goes back to Kim’s father, Kim Gye-hwi, who taught young students from the region at the academy’s Jeonghoedang Hall. Kim Jang-saeng and his son Kim Jip continued his family’s pursuit of study to develop “Yehak,” or “Study of Rites” helping the academy become the foothold of the Giho school of Neo-Confucianism.

Location | 26-14, Im 3-gil, Yeonsan-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | 1643
Purpose | Education, Memorial Service, Publication

What Is Yehak?

The 16th and 17th centuries were a difficult time for Confucian scholars, many of whom were purged amid a series of political upheavals. The dynasty’s ruling elite also became unstable after the Japanese invasion of 1592. Throughout the troubled times, the scholars at Donamseowon led by Kim Jang-saeng and Kim Jip devoted themselves to “Yehak,” or “Study of Rites,” which emphasized the practical aspects of Confucianism rather than the moral and conceptual elements

Eungdodang, Reflecting Essences of Giho School of Neo-Confucianism

Eungdodang Hall, the largest and oldest building in the Donamseowon Confucian Academy, reflects an architectural style idealized by Confucian scholars of the 17th century. Its distinctive beauty, created by carpenters who had a deep understanding of Confucian aesthetics, contributed to the academy’s listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Location | 122-4, Sagye-ro, Duma-myeon, Gyeryong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | 1602
Purpose | Residence

Sagye House

Sagye House was where “Sagye” Kim Jangsaeng, master of “Yehak,” or “Study of Rites,” taught young scholars and lived until his death. Kim, one of the most prominent scholars of the late Joseon period, laid the foundation of Giho school of Neo-Confucianism and taught many prominent Confucian scholars, including Song Siyeol, Song Jun-gil and Yi Yu-tae.

Eunnongjae House is men’s quarters. The name refers to a place where a virtuous scholar lives in seclusion and does farming. The building is now located on a huge road surrounded by towering apartments, but it was originally located behind a small hill and surrounded by the forest. The house, at its original location, symbolized the virtue of the noble “yangban” class – the structure itself may look humble, but its location high above a stereobate looked dignified.

Graves Area of Kim Jang-saeng and Gwangsan Kim Clan

The graves of Kim Jang-saeng and other members of the Gwangsan Kim clan are surrounded by pine forests. The graves, shrines, tombstones and other monuments are dedicated to various individuals credited for advancing the family’s prominence, including women.

Location | San 7-4, Gojeong-ri, Yeonsan-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
urpose | Memorial Service

Kim Jang-saeng taught young scholars in Hwangsan Mountain after building the academy that looks over the scenic Geumgang River. The Jungnimseowon Confucian Academy was modeled after the styles of a stone palace described in the “Complete Works” of Zhu Xi, a scholar of China’s Song Dynasty. The academy represents the main architectural style of seowon, or Confucian academies, during the Joseon period. The layout and architecture of Donamseowon were also affected by the style of Jungnimseowon.

Kim Jang-saeng also established Imnijeong Pavilion and taught their students there. Visitors need to go up stone steps between the bamboo forests to reach the pavilion.

Location | 20-8, Geumbaek-ro, Ganggyeong-eup, Nonsan-si,Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | 1626
Purpose | Education, Memorial Service, Rest

Renowned as a site where Yi Jung-hwan wrote “Taengniji,” or “Ecological Guide to Korea,” the Palgwejeong Pavilion was where Song Si-yeol studied with students and other scholars and also commemorated the works of “Yulgok” Yi I, a master Confucian scholar

Song also left engraved writings on a huge rock near the pavilion, saying “Monggwebyeok” and “Cheongchoam,” words that reflected his dedication to teach and help young scholars.

Palgwejeong Pavilion

Location | 86, Hwangsan-ri, Ganggyeong-eup,Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | 1626
Purpose | Observatory, Rest