This local government educational institution from the Goryeo Dynasty period and Joseon Dynasty period was in charge of education and Confucian ceremonies for scholars from this region. Wonju Hyanggyo was first built in the latter part of the Goryeo Dynasty. The exact date of construction is unclear. It was rebuilt by a magistrate of Wonju in 1402. It was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, but in the 36th year of the reign King Seonjo(1603), it was rebuilt to train disciples and raised many classical scholars. During the Korean War, the buildings suffered heavy damage. After numerous it pairs, this buildings was restored to its present condition. In the Main hall(Daeseongjeon), a memorial tablets of Chinese sages including Confucius and memorial tablets honoring 18 Korean are enshrined, And the two minor halls, East Hall(Dongjae) and West Hall(Seojae), the Lecture Hall, the East dormitory and the West Domitory and the three piece outer gate make up Wonju hyanggyo. This system was discontinued after the Political Reform in 1894, In the second and eighth lunar months each year, the Seokjeon ceremony, literally "rites offering libations", is held. The highly stylized rites serve to foster Confucian values of loyalty, and filial piety.

By Seong-Bae Park, Reporter
박성배 기자

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