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Historic Site

Munmyo Confucian Shrine and Seonggyungwan National Academy, Seoul

서울 문묘와 성균관 ( 서울 文廟와 成均館 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Historic Site
Name of Cultural Properties Munmyo Confucian Shrine and Seonggyungwan National Academy, Seoul
Quantity 81,673㎡
Designated Date 1964.11.10
Age The 7th year of the reign of King Taejo of Joseon (1399)
Address 53, Myeongnyun 3(sam)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Munmyo was a shrine that preserved Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. Munmyo was divided into two: Daeseongjeon Shrine for the memorial services and Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall for study. It was first built in the 7th year of the reign of King Taejo (1398) of Joseon but was burnt down in the 2nd year of the reign of King Jeongjong (1400). It was restored in the 7th year of the reign of King Taejong, only to be burnt down again during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592. The present building was rebuilt after the Japanese Invasion. Daeseongjeon and Myeongnyundang were separated into south and north by the wall in the middle. On the north of Daeseongjeon Seou (Treasure No.141) were a storage where various tools for memorial services were placed and another storage where various items were kept. Around Myeongnyundang, the Jongyeonggak, Hyanggwancheong, Bicheondang halls and Gyeseongsa Shrine were placed, with Dongjae and Seojae -- where scalars stayed and read books -- placed from north to south. On the eastern part of Dongjae was a restaurant, with the storehouse, Yugilgak (repository for bows and arrows), and storage room for various items next to it. Munmyo, where memorial services were performed and Confucian scholars gathered and studied as the center of Confucianism, serves as an important material for studying the architectural history.