Upon hearing that Korea’s Confucian academy, Seowon, had been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage, I, having spent my life in education, decided to explore these important cultural treasures that have garnered global attention. My inspiration came from the memory of Sanangru, a pavilion in Donam Seowon, which overlooks the surrounding mountains.
Seowon is located in places where feng shui and nature exist in harmony. Near the entrance of each Seowon is an open pavilion known as nu, where scholars would attune themselves to the changing seasons, relax their minds, and cultivate a sense of balance, known as Hoeyeonjigi.
While the pavilions across Seowon may appear structurally similar, each possesses a unique charm upon closer inspection. These pavilions, deeply integrated with nature, feature lower levels serving as entryways (known as Oesammun), while the upper levels, open on all sides, offer spaces to appreciate both the interior and exterior views of the Seowon.
In today’s competitive, individualistic society, the value of Sangsaeng—living with empathy and consideration for others—feels more essential than ever. Seowon serves as a place for exchange and dialogue, embodying the wisdom of our ancestors, who sought to demonstrate a meaningful way of life in harmony with nature. This has deepened my interest in the nu, the face of the Seowon
