Dosan

Dosan, also known as Dosan Seowon, is a Confucian academy located in Andong, South Korea. It was established in 1574 by Yi Hwang, a prominent scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, who is also known by his pen name Dosan. The academy was built on the principles of Neo-Confucianism and served as a place for study and intellectual discourse.

The architecture of Dosan Seowon is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, featuring traditional Korean buildings with tiled roofs and wooden structures. The site includes lecture halls, living quarters for scholars, and a memorial hall dedicated to Yi Hwang. It reflects the aesthetic values and philosophical ideals of the Joseon era, emphasizing simplicity and the connection between humanity and nature.

Dosan Seowon played a significant role in the dissemination of Confucian thought and the education of scholars during its active period. It was recognized for its contribution to Korean intellectual history and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019, along with other Seowons of Korea. The academy continues to be a place of historical and cultural importance, attracting visitors interested in Korean history, philosophy, and traditional architecture.