Hampyeong Hyanggyo | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Built during the Joseon Dynasty to enshrine and honor the memorial tablets of virtuous Confucian scholars and to provide education and moral guidance to local residents. The exact founding date is unknown, but it was rebuilt in 1597 (Seonjo 30) in Daehwa-ri, south of Hampyeong-hyeon, and relocated to its present location in 1632 (Injo 10) due to unsuitable geography. It was repaired annually in 1929, 1956, 1967, 1975, and 1976. Existing buildings include Daeseongjeon (a 3-room gable-roof hall), Myeongnyundang, East Dormitory, West Dormitory, Jeonsago (sacrificial goods storage), Yangsajae, storage buildings, Inner Sammun (three gates), and Outer Sammun. Unlike typical hyanggyo layout, it follows the 'front shrine, rear school' form with Daeseongjeon located in front of Myeongnyundang. The memorial tablets of the Five Sages, Four Virtuous Scholars of the Song Dynasty, and 18 Korean Virtuous Scholars are enshrined in Daeseongjeon. During the Joseon era, the institution received land, books, and slaves from the government, and one teacher instructed up to 30 students. Following the Gaapo Reform and new education system, its educational function ceased, but it still holds the Seokjeon rites in spring and autumn and incense offerings on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month. It is designated as a tangible cultural property of Jeollanam-do and managed by one Jeongyo and multiple Jangui.