Entrance to Buanhyanggyo Local Confucian School [1991]This is a photo of the Buanhyanggyo Local Confucian School, taken in 1991.
Seokjeon Daeje (National Rite to Confucius) at Buanhyanggyo Local Confucian School [1991]This is a photo of the ritual officer entering to hold the Seokjeon Daeje (National Rite to Confucius) at the Buanhyanggyo Local Confucian School, taken in 1991.
Frontal view of Buanhyanggyo Local Confucian SchoolThis is the frontal view of the Buanhyanggyo Local Confucian School located in Seooe-ri, Buan-eup, Buan-gun. Daeseongjeon Hall is located at the highest point of the school.
Lateral view of Buanhyanggyo Local Confucian SchoolThis is the frontal view of the Buanhyanggyo Local Confucian School located in Seooe-ri, Buan-eup, Buan-gun.
Current Location25, Hyanggyo-gil Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Original Location25, Hyanggyo-gil Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Definition
A hyanggyo (a state-run Confucian school carrying out intermediate-level education) dating back to the Joseon Period in Seooe-ri, Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Location
Buanhyanggyo is located at 25 Hyanggyo-gil[255beon-gil, Seooe-ri], Buan-eup, Buan-gun. To reach it by starting from the Buan-Gun Office building, walk along Dangsan-ro about 500 m in the direction of Buan Middle School, turn right, and walk about 400 m along Seomun-ro; you will find it at a hill of Sangsosan Mountain behind Hyanggyogol.
Development
It is said that Buanhyanggyo was founded in 1414 (the 14th year of the reign of King Taejong) after the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty, but its exact construction date is unknown. However, hyanggyo was established throughout the country right after the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty, so Buanhyanggyo was certainly built during the early Joseon period. It was destroyed during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, and then in 1600 (33rd year of King Seonjo’s reign), its Daeseongjeon Shrine (Hall for offering sacrificial rite for Confucius and great Confucian scholars) and Myeongryundang (lecture hall) were re-built. Its Manhwaru (gate tower) was newly built in 1607(40th year of King Seonjo’s reign) and later relocated to its current location in 1749(25th year of King Yeongjo’s reign).In1848 (14th year of King Heonjong’s reign), Yangsajae was newly built. According to Hongjae Ilgi (a diary kept by an individual named GI Haengyeon), Manhwaru was remodeled in 1881(18th year of King Gojong’s reign). In 1894, Dongjae/Seojae (a dormitory) was built. In 1999, Jeonsagak and Jindeokjae were newly built.
Forms
Located on a hill, Buanhyanggyo features a typical layout of a local Confucian school in which the lecture hall Myeongryundang are arranged at the front, while Daeseongjeon Shrine is located in the rear side. In particular, Myeongryundan is located in the eastern beneath of Daeseongjeon Shrine, while Yangsajae (dormitory) is located in its west. Dongjae (Jindeokjae) is situated in the eastern beneath of Myeongryundang, and Seojae (Sunguijae) is situated in the western beneath of Yangsajae. Jeonsagak is located next to Myeongryundang. Manhwaru stands near the entrance of the school and in front of which the main gate is located. Memorial stones are standing next to the gate and below which there is a parking lot. Daeseongjeon Shrine measures 3 kan*[*1 kan refers to the length of space between two columns. It comes to 210 cm - 300 cm.] by 2 kan and has a gable roof. Both Myeongryundang and Manhwaru measure 3 kan by 2 kan and have a half-hipped roof. These buildings display wood columns set up on 1m-high granite columns. Yangsajae measures 5 kan by 4 kan and has a half-hipped roof, while Sunguijae, 3 kan by 3 kan and a half-hipped roof. Jeonsagak measures 3 kan by 2 kan, while Jindeokjae, 3 kan by 2 kan.
Current Status
Buanhyanggyo is managed by the Buanhyanggyo Foundation. Its Daeseongjeon Hall was designated as Jeollabuk-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 93 in April 1, 1984. At the building, they hold Seokjeon Daeje (a ceremonial rite performed semiannually to honor Confucius) in spring and autumn, and burn incense on the 1st and 15th of each month. At present, Mr. Kim Myeong-seok serves as the manager of the Confucian school.
Historical Significance
Buanhyanggyo used to serve as the central point of local Confucian scholars during the Joseon Period. It played a central role in the education and indoctrination of the masses in the area. We need to preserve it to hold on to the long Confucian tradition and make it the local community’s spiritual foothold. A way to make a good use of it needs to be found in cooperation with young people to hold on to the valuable tradition.
