Dosanseowon Confucian Academy [UNESCO World Heritage]

In terms of architecture, Dosanseowon Confucian Academy complex can largely be divided into Dosanseodang compound and Dosanseowon compound. Dosanseodang area consists of living quarters and lecture halls where Toegye Yi Hwang, an eminent Confucian scholar, lived and taught his students. Dosanseowon was built after Toegye Yi Hwang passed away by his followers' to honor the legacy of his teachings as well as to pay respects to the deceased.

Built in 1561, Dosanseodang lecture hall is the oldest building in the whole complex. It was personally designed by Yi Hwang, penname Toegye, to further his studies while educating future scholars after moving to the countryside. Living quarters used as a student dormitory were also built along with the lecture hall.

Dosanseowon compound was completed in 1576, six years after Yi Hwang's death. Yi Hwang's ancestral tablet was enshrined inside Sangdeoksa Shrine in 1572. Two years later, Jeongyodang Lecture Hall was built to relocate the tablet and with the addition of buildings to the hall's east and west, the area became a seowon. In 1575, the establishment was bestowed a royal charter and a plaque with the name Dosanseowon written by Han Seok-bong, and became the Confucian academy headquarters in the Yeongnam region.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - variety show"I Am Solo"
This is where participants were dressed in hanbok and matched with a partner based solely on the color of their clothes, regardless of their will. Each time they were matched, viewers felt excitement and tension as if they were being matched themselves. Follow the hiking trails around the academy to see notable monuments like a massive willow tree, and Sisadan Stele.