Journey to Learning and Tradition: A Review of Jeonju Hyanggyo

#cityplaybook Stepping into Jeonju Hyanggyo, located at 139 Hyanggyo-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State, feels like a serene journey back in time. At the entrance, you're greeted by the Manhwaru pavilion, though the inscription is a bit hard to decipher. Passing through Ilwolmun, the main gate, you'll find an informative sign about the Daejongjeon. This is where the ancestral tablets of Confucius and other revered sages are enshrined and honored through rituals. The history of Jeonju Hyanggyo's Daejongjeon is worth a read, offering insights into its significance. I particularly enjoyed the view of Daejongjeon framed by the gateway of Ilwolmun – a beautiful photographic composition. The Daejongjeon itself is an impressive structure, flanked by ancient guardian trees, likely old ginkgo trees, which are quite striking. An informational plaque further explains that Daejongjeon is a Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Tangible Cultural Heritage site, serving as the hall housing Confucius's ancestral tablet. Even smaller, seemingly insignificant trees next to the Daejongjeon are also designated as guardian trees. Beyond the Daejongjeon, over a wall, you catch a glimpse of the Myeongnyundang. This building, which I personally found to be the most magnificent at Jeonju Hyanggyo, is truly special. Another old ginkgo tree, estimated to be around 420 years old, stands beside Myeongnyundang. It's said that ginkgo trees symbolize the spirit of scholars. Myeongnyundang, meaning 'to illuminate the ethics of human society,' is famous for being the oldest existing Myeongnyundang in the country, built in 1603. From Myeongnyundang, you get a lovely view of the backside of Daejongjeon and the ancient ginkgo tree. A unique feature of Jeonju Hyanggyo, compared to other 향교 (hyanggyo or Confucian schools) nationwide, is the Jangpangak. This building housed the original woodblock prints used for printing books and distributing them to students for their studies. I learned that the Wanpanbon Cultural Center, located in front of the Hyanggyo, now displays these woodblock prints for public viewing. I haven't visited it yet, but it's definitely on my list for next time! Finally, there's Gyesongsa, another shrine dedicated to figures like Confucius. A small note for visitors: the restroom next to Gyesongsa does not provide toilet paper, so come prepared! Jeonju Hyanggyo offers a peaceful and enriching experience, allowing visitors to connect with the scholarly traditions and architectural beauty of Korea's past. #jeonju #historicallandmarks