Yongin Hyanggyo | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Hyanggyo were national educational institutions of the Goryeo and Joseon periods established to enshrine the spirit tablets of distinguished Confucian scholars and perform ancestral rites, as well as for the education and moral guidance of local residents. Yongin Hyanggyo, designated as a Gyeonggi-do cultural property, is a representative government-run school of the Joseon period in Yongin-si. It was originally founded in 1400 (the 2nd year of King Jeongjong) in Gyodong Village, destroyed during the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598, rebuilt in 1641 (the 19th year of King Injo) in Hamabi Village, relocated a second time in 1686 (the 12th year of King Sukjong), and moved a third time to its current location in 1894 (the 31st year of King Gojong). However, frequent epidemics in the settlement led villagers to believe the site was geomantically unsuitable, resulting in the relocation to the current site. The building layout follows the typical jeonhak-hu-myo (school hall in front, shrine behind) design. Through several relocations and restoration works, it was extensively renovated and in 2018 was recognized for its value as a mid-Joseon Confucian architectural structure and designated as a Gyeonggi-do cultural property. In the modern era, it opened as Myeongnyun School in 1906 and also served as a common school. It currently operates the affiliated Myeongnyun University, thus continuing its educational role in a modern form. The Chungyo Education Hall, located to the left of the Oesammun (outer three gates), is used for adult liberal education and youth character education. Every year on Confucius’s birthday (lunar August 27), the Seokjeonje ritual honoring Confucius is held, and incense offerings occur monthly on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar calendar. The Myeongnyundang area is open to visitors who can tour the grounds. It is approximately an 8-minute drive from Guseong Station on the Suin-Bundang Line and 14 minutes from Gwanggyo Sanghyeon IC. Nearby attractions include Everland, Korean Folk Village, and Jisan Forest Resort Ski Park.