Paju City Launches Hyanggyo Seowon National Heritage Project... "Yulgok Code" Program Begins

"Yulgok's Hometown"
"Yulgok Code" Program at Paju Yi I Heritage Site
Runs Through October

On June 25, Paju City in Gyeonggi Province announced that it has been selected for the Cultural Heritage Administration’s public project, the “2025 Hyanggyo Seowon National Heritage Utilization Project.” As a result, from June 29 through October, the city will operate an on-site historical exploration program called “Yulgok Code” at the Paju Yi I Heritage Site.

Yulgok Yi I's Hometown Paju, Hyanggyo Seowon National Heritage Utilization Project Launch Poster. Provided by Paju City

The Hyanggyo Seowon National Heritage Utilization Project aims to revitalize local historical resources by utilizing Hyanggyo and Seowon heritage sites. With its selection for this project, Paju City has developed the “Yulgok Code” program, which offers an in-depth exploration of the life and philosophy of Yulgok Yi I by utilizing the Yi I Heritage Site.

Through this program, the city expects to shed new light on the life and ideas of Yulgok Yi I, a great scholar and statesman of the Joseon Dynasty, and to widely promote the Paju Yi I Heritage Site, which includes Jaun Seowon (where Yi I is enshrined), the family burial grounds of Yi I and his mother Shin Saimdang, and other related sites.

The “Yulgok Code” program consists of three themed hands-on activities, each featuring a meaningful number that offers a glimpse into an aspect of Yi I’s life and philosophy.

First, “Codename 1551: In Search of the Roots of Filial Piety” features a program centered on filial piety, including guided tours by cultural tourism interpreters, learning about stories of filial devotion involving Yulgok and Saimdang, and writing letters of love to family members, all designed to revisit the life story of Yi I.

Next, “Codename 11: Facing Yulgok!” is a hands-on, experience-oriented program that encourages participant engagement through activities such as exploring the Yi I Heritage Site, reading Yulgok’s self-cultivation writings, and creating a personalized version of these writings in calligraphy.

Finally, “Codename 525: Yulgok’s Elegance” offers opportunities for visitors to learn about the Yi I Heritage Site in a lively atmosphere through side events such as traditional performances, mobile guided tours, and a permanent experience center.

Detailed schedules and information can be found on the Paju City website (https://www.paju.go.kr/), and those interested in participating can contact the program coordinator at 02-2038-8938.

Yu Choja, head of the Department of Culture and Arts, said, “We hope that many citizens will visit the Paju Yi I Heritage Site, imbued with the spirit of the great scholar Yulgok Yi I, and enjoy a variety of programs including hands-on experiences and performances.”