Dismantling and Repair of Choseok or Higher to Begin in June, Completion Scheduled for December
Dangjin City in Chungnam announced on the 2nd that the dismantling and repair work of the Dongjae building of Myeoncheon Hyanggyo, designated as a Chungnam Provincial Monument, has been completed. The photo shows the exterior view of the Dongjae building of Myeoncheon Hyanggyo. Photo by Dangjin City
Dangjin City in Chungnam Province announced on the 2nd that it has completed the dismantling and restoration work of the Eastern Dormitory (Dongjae) at Myeoncheon Hyanggyo, which is designated as a Chungnam Provincial Monument.
Hyanggyo were local educational institutions established during the Joseon Dynasty to educate and enlighten local residents, but the exact date when Myeoncheon Hyanggyo was founded is unknown.
However, it is believed to have been established in 1392 (the first year of King Taejo), while another theory suggests it was built around 1413 (the 13th year of King Taejong), when hyanggyo were being constructed in various regions during the early Joseon period.
At Myeoncheon Hyanggyo, the Oesammun Gate, Myeongnyundang Hall, Eastern and Western Dormitories, Naesammun Gate, Eastern and Western Shrines, and Daeseongjeon Hall are arranged in a straight line from south to north.
The Eastern and Western Dormitories are where students resided; the Eastern Dormitory is a hip-and-gable roof building with four bays at the front and two bays on the side, while the Western Dormitory is a gable roof building with three bays at the front and one bay on the side.
According to the Cultural Heritage Care Project monitoring survey, the Eastern Dormitory at Myeoncheon Hyanggyo was rated F due to aging, including warping of the building and damage to the supporting pillars. As a result, restoration was carried out with a budget secured from the 2024 Chungnam Provincial Cultural Heritage Maintenance Project.
From June, dismantling and restoration work above the foundation stone was carried out and completed in December, adhering to the principle of restoring the original form by utilizing as much of the existing materials, such as the beams and foundation stones, as possible.
The head of the city's Culture and Sports Department stated, "Confucianism is the foundation of our spiritual culture, and Myeoncheon Hyanggyo, as a Confucian educational institution, is a precious cultural heritage of the region. We plan to continue our efforts in maintenance and restoration so that Myeoncheon Hyanggyo can remain a lasting symbol of Confucian spirit and education."
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