Gyeongjuhyanggyo Daeseongjeon Hall

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1727

Category

Architecture

Era

조선시대

Designated year

2011

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경상북도 경주시 교촌안길 27-20(교동, 경주향교)

Coordinates

35.831591, 129.216838

Although it is not precisely known when Gyeongjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School was constructed, it is, however, known that it was renovated in 1492 (the 23rd year of King Seongjong’s reign), by Choe Eung-hyeon who was the magistrate of Gyeongju at that time. The local Confucian school was burnt to the ground during the Japanese Invasion of 1592. Daeseongjeon Shrine and Jeonsacheong (Depository of Ritual Utensils and Offerings) was rebuilt in 1600 (the 33rd year of King Seonjo’s reign) by Gyeongju Magistrate Yi Si-bal. The east and west arcades were rebuilt in 1604 (the 37th year of King Seonjo’s reign), by Yun Seong, and Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall and the east and west side-buildings in 1104 (the sixth year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign), by Yi An-nul. A small pond and a pavilion were added at this time, outside the Jedokcheong (Office of Academic Councilor). In 1655 (the sixth year of King Hyojong’s reign), the Songdan Altar was set up in a location just north of Myeongnyundang, and in 1669 (the tenth year of King Hyeonjong’s reign), Jongyeonggak Library was constructed east of Songdan, and the east and west arcades were repaired. It is said that, at this time, Gyeongju Magistrate Min Ju-myeon had stone structures at the former site of Imhaejeon Palace brought in for use in the landscaping of this waterfront garden, to make steps and paths, after discussing the matter with the students of the academy. One of the largest Confucian schools in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongjuhyanggyo is considered a reference in terms of layout of buildings, as is Najuhyanggyo Local Confucian School. Gyeongjuhyanggyo is located west of the Gyerim Forest and north of the Muncheon Stream. Yoseokgung Palace is said to have stood at this site, before the Gyeongjuhyanggyo was built there. The Confucian school is oriented about ten degree from due south. Gyeongjuhyanggyo is a high-level local Confucian school. Constructed on level land, it has its main buildings and structures, including the outer triple gate, divine triple gate, Daeseongjeon, and Myeongnyundang, distributed along the north-south axis. It assumes the typical layout of a Confucian school in which the shrine is near the front entrance, and the lecture hall lies further back on the lot. Daeseongjeon Shrine is of particularly high historical and architectural significance, as its chronology is clearly known, and the construction style of this period is well preserved in details like columnar brackets, door and window latticework and built-in furniture. Information including the date of renovation of Daeseongjeon and the names of artisans who were involved in the renovation is found on a ridge beam of Daeseongjeon, written in ink.

Location