Nodong Seowon

Nodong Seowon (魯東書院) enshrines a portrait and memorial tablet of Choe Chung (崔冲), regarded as the founder of private academies in Korea, as well as those of his son, Choe Yuseon (崔惟善). When Choe Byeon, the 12th-generation descendant of Choe Chung, retired to this area and his descendants prospered, he built a shrine to house his ancestor’s portrait, which was later renamed Nodong Seowon. The two portraits enshrined at the seowon are registered as Tangible Cultural Heritage of Gangwon State. Nodong Seowon is also used as a venue for events aimed at inheriting and developing traditional Confucian culture, and is particularly a good destination for historical site tours by nearby elementary, middle, and high school students. The seowon was originally located in Noil-ri, Bukbang-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, but was moved here in May 1932 due to difficulties in safeguarding it. Parts of the east and west buildings, which were destroyed during the Korean War, were reconstructed, and the seowon has undergone several renovations. In addition, the regular memorial rite is observed as a Confucian scholars’ event, and an ancestral memorial service is held once a year.