Oksan Seowon
옥산서원
A seowon academy dedicated to the Joseon Neo-Confucian scholar Yi Eon-jeok. Inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2019 as one of the 'Korean Neo-Confucian Academies,' it is next to the Dongnakdang hall by the valley stream.
Oksan Seowon lies at the foot of Mount Jaok in Angang-eup, northern Gyeongju. It was built in 1572 to honor Yi Eon-jeok (pen name Hoejae), a mid-Joseon Neo-Confucian scholar. It is one of the 47 seowon academies that were preserved when the regent Daewongun ordered the closure of most seowon. In 2019, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site as one of the 'Korean Neo-Confucian Academies.' On the rocks of the valley stream in front of the academy, the inscription 'Serene Mind Terrace' is carved, and the scenery is quiet and beautiful. About 700 m upstream is Dongnakdang, the former residence where Yi Eon-jeok lived in his later years. It is a building of Treasure status. Entry to the academy is free. It can be visited together with Yangdong Folk Village, about 10 km away, in one day. Getting there: take bus 203 from the city center, about 50 minutes, or drive for about 30 minutes.
Opening hours
About 09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Yangdong Folk Village
- Tomb of General Kim Yu-sin
- Hwangnidan-gil
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex
- Bunhwangsa Temple
- Cheomseongdae Observatory
- Gyerim Forest & Wolseong Palace Site
- Hwangnyongsa Temple Site