Seowon: Korean Neo-Confucian Academies

By TAIHO KIM

The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea announced that nine Korean Confucian academies, known as Seowon, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 10, 2019. The final decision was made at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan. When I had just written a short book about my exploration of the major seowon in Korea, I got this good news. The nine academies are Sosu Seowon in Yeongju, Namgye Seowon in Hamyang, Oksan Seowon in Gyeongju, Dosan and Byeongsan Seowon in Andong, Dodong Seowon in Daegu, Pilam Seowon in Jangseong, Museong Seowon in Jeongeup and Donam Seowon in Nonsan.

We call neo-Confucian scholars by another name, Seonbi. The seonbi followed a strict code of conduct and believed they had the moral duty to lead society in the right direction. "The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." Dante said. Seonbi used to stand up against Injustice and corruption and led the reformation of Joseon. He pursued a humble life and constant learning in order to perfect his character, not only through knowledge but also by adhering to the rightful path. A number of seonbi built seowon and pavilions in the places where they could pursue their own cultivation and educate the local younger generations. Seowon is a legacy we should both cherish and take pride in.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FK3D86L8
• ISBN13: 9798294241858
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 118 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.5"