The Gunsan Modern History Museum in Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province has unveiled a special exhibition titled Learning and Teaching of Our Ancestors. Running until March 30, 2025, the exhibition delves into the cultural and educational practices centered on Korea’s Confucian heritage, with a particular focus on hyanggyo (향교, Confucian schools) and seowon (Confucian academies).
Located on the third floor of the museum’s special exhibition hall, the event examines how Confucian traditions have been preserved and evolved, highlighting their ongoing relevance in contemporary education and community values. Artifacts, photographs, and documents are displayed to provide an immersive understanding of these traditions.
Hyanggyo and seowon, the core subjects of the exhibition, were more than centers for academic learning. They served as spaces where scholars cultivated moral character and deliberated on their social responsibilities. The exhibition also emphasizes how ancestral rituals, or jesa, honored the teachings of sages and scholars, expressing a commitment to integrating their philosophies into everyday life.
The exhibition unfolds in five thematic sections. The first, Learning and Teaching of Our Ancestors, explores how Confucianism spread and took root in Korea. The second section, Halls of Learning, illustrates the roles of hyanggyo and seowon, showcasing their establishment and their integration into rural communities.
The third section, Education for Scholars, focuses on hyanggyo as institutions for training officials and seowon as dedicated spaces for Neo-Confucian studies. The fourth section, Honoring the Wise Through Rituals, captures the ceremonial traditions of commemorating Confucian sages and local figures connected to specific regions. Finally, Practice of Learning examines the enduring Confucian values in Gunsan, highlighting filial piety, loyalty, and local militia efforts during significant historical periods.
A museum official remarked, "This exhibition sheds light on how the wisdom and teachings of our ancestors have been handed down through generations. We hope it serves as an opportunity for visitors to reflect on how these values can be upheld and applied in our lives today."
Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com
