Naju Hyanggyo

A Cultural Exploration of Naju Hyanggyo with Your Kids

What kind of place is Naju Hyanggyo?

Naju Hyanggyo is one of Korea's representative traditional educational institutions, located at 38 Hyanggyo-gil, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do. First established during the Goryeo period in 987, it was rebuilt in the 7th year of King Taejo of Joseon in 1398, and has remained in its place to this day through several rounds of repair and restoration. For many years, it passed down Confucian learning and moral teachings in the region, and today it remains a special place where you can experience traditional culture and history.

The special history and value of Naju Hyanggyo

• Naju Hyanggyo is one of the largest, most formal, and best-preserved hyanggyo in Korea.
• It includes both a shrine honoring Confucius and other Confucian sages, as well as educational spaces, and served as a central place in the local community.
• Since long ago, Naju Hyanggyo has been known for producing many scholars who passed the state examinations, and for spreading proper values and etiquette through Confucian learning.
• During the Imjin War, the hyanggyo suffered major damage, but there is also a moving story of local residents protecting the spirit tablets and restoring the site.

Main highlights and experiences

• Daeseongjeon: The representative building of Naju Hyanggyo, designated as Treasure No. 394. It houses the spirit tablets of Confucius and other sages, and you can admire the grand and beautiful architectural style of the late Joseon period.
• Oesammun Gate and Hamabi Stele: There is a stone monument built to remind everyone, regardless of social status, to show respect when passing by, making it a natural way to teach your kids about traditional etiquette.
• Ginkgo tree and stone monuments: A ginkgo tree over 600 years old stands guarding Daeseongjeon. Around the hyanggyo, you can also find various stone monuments that record the special history of the region and the school.
• Traditional culture experiences: Depending on the season, a variety of cultural events are held, such as seodang experiences and traditional weddings, and there are also times when you can listen to a guide's explanation.

Why it is great to visit with kids

• Kids can run around freely in the spacious and peaceful hanok courtyard.
• They can see and learn about traditional architecture and the lives of scholars from the past, helping build historical imagination.
• By joining various cultural experience programs, your family can make special memories.
• Visitor facilities such as parking are well prepared, making it a good choice for a family outing.

Visitor information

1. Location: 38 Hyanggyo-gil, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do
2. Admission: Free

MomMom Summary

"Naju Hyanggyo is a place where the beauty of traditional Korean architecture, deep history, and living culture exist together. It is a wonderful destination where your child can imagine the days of Confucian scholars, run around the wide courtyard, and enjoy meaningful educational memories with the whole family through a variety of traditional cultural experiences."