Gurye Hoyang School Classmates, Out in the World After 74 Years

Transferred from the Education Office to Jirisan History and Culture Center

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yuk Miseok] Gurye Office of Education announced on the 21st that it officially donated the Dongjong bell of Hoyang School in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do.

With this, the Dongjong bell of Gurye Hoyang School has moved from the office bookshelf to the Jirisan History and Culture Center after 74 years.

The Dongjong bell was used by Gurye Hoyang School, a national education institution established in 1908. The bell features two clearly embossed Taegeuk patterns. Along with the dragon carved on the top surface, these symbolize an independent nation. It is a valuable artifact that shows the educational movement of Gurye Hoyang School was a national consciousness aiming for an independent country.

Hoyang School was founded by the disciples of Wang Seokbo, a scholar from Gurye, and supported by national leaders such as patriot Maechun Hwang Hyun. Six teachers taught about 100 students new subjects such as geography and mathematics for 12 years. Along with Damyang Changpyeong Isuk, it formed a pair of leading schools nurturing talent in Honam as new cultural schools.

Hoyang School was closed in 1920 due to Japan's eradication policy, and the Dongjong bell disappeared. In 1946, Banggwang Elementary School, the successor of Hoyang School, was established, and someone came to donate the Dongjong bell to the principal's office of Banggwang Elementary School. The circumstances of its rediscovery after 26 years are unclear.

After Banggwang Elementary School was closed, the Dongjong bell was moved to the Gurye Office of Education. It was kept at Suncheon National University from 2013 to 2017, and then again stored at the Gurye Office of Education from July 2017 until January 16 of this year. On the 16th, it was transferred to the Jirisan History and Culture Center, and the donation ceremony was officially held on the 21st.

On that day, Kim Soonho, the governor of Gurye County, said, “I sincerely thank Director Lim Yunduk of the Gurye Office of Education for making the great decision to allow many citizens to view the Dongjong bell of Hoyang School,” and added, “We will strive to continue the national spirit symbolized by the Dongjong bell of Hoyang School.”

The Dongjong bell of Hoyang School can be viewed in the Maechun Room at the Jirisan History and Culture Center. The Jirisan History and Culture Center is located near the commercial district of Hwaeomsa in Masan-myeon, Gurye-gun, and is closed every Monday.