Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy is a nearly 450-year-old school established in the memory of an esteemed Joseon-era scholar. It was once a place where students lived and studied Confucianism. The school’s name means academy of the mountain’s folding screen, a reference to a mountain on the opposite side of the river that protects it. Tour the lecture rooms, living quarters and shrines of the Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy to appreciate the serenity the scholars would have experienced during their time here.
The academy building's stand in a leafy environment facing the Nakdong River. The position of the buildings between the river and hills is representative of the Confucian balance in nature between opposing forces. This is one of only two places in Andong that escaped destruction during the Daewongun reforms of the 1860s. Note how the front section is the schooling area and the rear is a shrine.
Enter the complex via the Bokryeum main gate, which takes it name from a Confucian principal of self-temperance. The Mandaeru, used for lectures and resting, is recognizable for its octagonal roof tiles, single eave and open sides that afford views of the river and Byeongsan Mountain. The Ipgyodang has elegant dual eaves and consists of a lecture hall, principal’s house and office. You can also look inside the student’s bedrooms, a library, the printing and storage rooms.
Don’t miss the Jondeoksa, located at the highest point of the school grounds. This is a shrine dedicated to the Joseon-era scholars Ryu Seong-ryong and Gwon Sangha. There’s also a tablet that immortalizes the achievements of Ryu Seong-ryong. Linger a while to appreciate the academy’s tranquility and admire the calming countryside visible in all directions.
Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy is about a 1-hour drive from central Andong. Buses traveling to the Andong Hahoe Folk Village often continue to the academy. If you miss the return bus then you can walk to the village and catch a bus back to the city from there. Otherwise you can order a taxi from the nearby tourist information office.
