Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, Andong

Uriah923 at English Wikipedia · Public domain

The academy of Yi Hwang — the face on the 1,000 won note — beside a still lake.

Yi Hwang (pen name Toegye), the greatest philosopher of Korean Confucianism, turned away from office and went home to teach. The school he built beside the Nakdong River is almost austere: plain wood, low tiled roofs, a bare earth yard and a lecture hall facing the water. Students boarded in the small buildings on either side. That architecture is his philosophy — inward, restrained, following nature. Both Yi Hwang's portrait and this academy appear on the 1,000 won banknote.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, Andong?

October–November

How much does it cost to visit Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, Andong?

1,500 KRW

How long do you need at Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, Andong?

1.5 hours

What are the opening hours of Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy, Andong?

09:00–18:00 (to 17:00 in winter)

Did you know

Built by Yi Hwang's students in 1574, after his death.
One of nine seowon inscribed by UNESCO in 2019.
Yi Hwang (1501–1570) is the face on the 1,000 won note.
About 40 minutes by car from Hahoe village.

Travel tips

Do it on the same day as Hahoe village if you are staying in Andong.
Weekdays are very quiet — the best time to feel the stillness.
Autumn colour reflected in the lake in front is superb.

Source: http://www.tourandong.com/eng/sub1/sub1.cshtml?id=196

Updated: 2026-08-04