Dodong Seowon in Korea

Dodong Seowon in Korea

Dodong Seowon is located in Dodong-ri, Gucheong-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea, and is recognized as one of the Five Grand Seowons of Korea, along with Byeongsan Seowon, Oksan Seowon, Sosu Seowon, and Dosan Seowon. The seowon was established in 1569 by Confucian scholars at the eastern foot of Mt. Biseul and was originally named “Ssanggye Seowon.” In 1573, it was officially named “Dodong Seowon” by royal decree. It was burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) but was rebuilt in 1605 by scholars at its current location. On October 10, 2007, it was designated as South Korea’s Historic Site No. 488.

Noteworthy features within Dodong Seowon include its earthen walls, the Jungjeongdang Lecture Hall, the Suyeonjeong Pavilion, and a ginkgo tree over 400 years old. The decorative ink-painted patterns on the earthen walls are particularly intricate, making it the only earthen wall in Korea designated as a National Treasure. Passing the ginkgo tree leads to Suyeonjeong, where you can gaze upon the Nakdong River and the surrounding plains, as if admiring a beautiful landscape painting. Exiting Suyeonjeong and entering Jungjeongdang, you’ll notice carvings on the entrance steps of dragons holding a wish-granting jewel and fish in their mouths—known as the “Four Admonitions”—which are said to represent Confucius’s teachings: “Do not look at what violates propriety; do not listen to what violates propriety; do not speak what violates propriety; do not act in a way that violates propriety.”

DodongLectureHall

Why go: One of Korea’s five most renowned seowons

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Korea

Province/State: Daegu Metropolitan City

City: Dalseong-gun