Sosu Seowon

Sosu Seowon is a Joseon-era seowon, now located in Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju, South Korea. It is the oldest extant seowon in Korea. It was founded by, then the magistrate of Pungseong County.
Sosu Seowon was one of 47 seowons that survived from the Seowon Abolishment by Heungseon Daewongun Regent in 1871.

History

During the Joseon period in 1542, the magistrate of Punggi County established this seowon, which was initially called "Baegundong Seowon". It was renamed to "Sosu Seowon" in 1550. That year, Yi Hwang established Sosu Seowon as the first legislated private institute of Korea.
During the Joseon era, Korean Buddhism suffered heavy persecution. Many temples were closed and the buildings repurposed. Sosu Seowon originally had been a Buddhist temple and then became a private academy.

Description

On the right of the Sosu Seowon entrance is the Okgyesu, a stream of the Nakdong River coming from Mt. Sobaek. Inside Sosu Seowon's auditorium is a 'Sosu Seowon' sign engraved by King Myeongjong. Behind the auditorium there are Jikbangjae, Ilshinjae, Hakgujae and Jirakjae. On the east side are the Seogo, the portrait of Anhyang painted at the end of Goryeo Dynasty, and the Munseong Tomb where the Daesungjisung King Munseon's Jeonjwado is enshrined.