Sungkyunkwan: The oldest university in Korea

History of Sungkyunkwan

Established in 1398 during the Joseon dynasty Sungkyunkwan is the oldest university in Korea, currently located in Jongno, Seoul. In this place where the noble people studied music, law, archery, mathematics, poetry, etiquette, and the rudiments of Confucian philosophy. Sungkyunkan is a place where distinguished characters from Korean history studied. For example, Yi I, a philosopher and writer established as one of the most predominant academics of Korean Confucianism. Also, King Se Jong, known as “the great”, creator of and promulgator of the Korean alphabet Hangeul studied there. In the year 1407 due to a fire, the first restoration took place on the campus. During the Japanese invasions (1592-1598) many buildings burned, including the Munmyo restored in 1601.

The Byeokipjae was a building used for Confucian rituals destroyed by fire in 1784. The building is no longer present on the current campus.

Actual Structure of Sungkyunkwan

1. Myeongnyundang

the main building of the property used for ceremonies, conferences, rituals, tests, and other important events, built-in 1398 and restored several times. The two smaller rooms used for faculty research and private meetings.

2. Daeseongjeon

The name means “Great Hall of Achievement”. The current version of the building rebuilt in 1602 and restored many times. The building’s sign calligraphy is the work of Han Seok-bong, one of the greatest calligraphers of the Joseon dynasty.

3-4. Dongmu and Seomu buildings

A place designed to used to store the spirit tablets of Confucian scholars and other important relics. this building still remains on the campus nowadays.

5. Sammun

It was the main entrance to Sungkyunkwan which is located on the east side; designed with three square doors which was the trend at the time. The main entrance is not decorated with ornate or special ceilings, emphasizing the Confucian’s humility concept.

6-7. Dongjae and Seojae

The dormitories for students where only 150 students could be admitted. The eastern building housed the descendants of royalty and the nobles of higher status, and the western building housed the nobles with lower social status.

8. Jongyeonggak

Originally built in 1475 during the reign of King Seongjong. It was the only university library in Korea until 1900. The volumes housed in the library were exclusively Confucian books.

9. Yugilgak

This building used to store sports equipment, mainly archery tools like bows and arrows.

10. Hyanggwancheong

Originally used to store incense and written ritual prayers but eventually used as an office for those who presided over ancient rites.

11. Jinsasikdang

The building where students ate and where attendance was taken every day.

12. Jaegigo building

Used to store the materials for the rituals performed in Munmyo, such as the plates used to contain the food that was sacrificed to the sages.

13. Subokcheong

This building was the office of the people in charge of preparing the rituals, as well as the restoration and maintenance of the Sungkyunkwan gardens.

14. Jeonsacheong building

Used to prepare the sacrificed food and to store the containers for the rituals performed in Munmyo.

15. Bicheondang building

Used as the State Examination Hall. originally built in 1664 and rebuilt in 1988. The name means “Lighting the great way”, which is quoted from the famous Confucian Zhu Xi. It has an intricately unique painted ceiling.

16. Myojeongbigak

This small structure is a refuge for a Confucius monument. Inside is a large stone turtle with a large stone tablet on its back with a considerable amount of Hanja calligraphy engraved on it. The stone turtle symbolizes Sungkyunkwan’s longevity and Confucianism.

17. Tangpyeongbigak

This monument was erected in 1742 with a stone stele inside with a message from King Yeongjo which is a reference to how the king would appoint officials regardless of political affiliation according to the “policy of impartiality” known as “Tangpyeong (탕평)”.

18. Hayeondae

It was the parking lot for the king’s palace.

19. Ginkgo Tree of Munmyo Confucian Shrine

One of the main attractions for visitors is the legendary Ginko tree located in the center of the property. The Ginko tree has symbolic value for Confucianism since according to the story Confucius loved to read, meditate and teach his disciples under a ginkgo tree.

The tree is about 400 years old, planted by Yun Tak (1472-1534) director of the Confucian national academy. The most suitable time to visit this place is in autumn, where the Ginko tree becomes a radiant yellow tree.