What is hyanggyo?

Hyanggyo is a type of educational institution that existed during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties in Korea. In these schools, students were taught Confucianism and other subjects such as literature, history, and mathematics. The curriculum mainly focused on the study of the Chinese classics, with emphasis being placed on the teachings of Confucius.

Hyanggyo schools were typically run by local government officials or wealthy families and were attended by boys from their respective regions. The schools were often located in the countryside and had a simple layout consisting of a main hall, a library, and a dormitory.

One of the unique features of hyanggyo was the Pungryu ceremony, which was held annually to honor Confucius and his teachings. During this ceremony, students would recite Confucian texts, perform traditional music and dance, and offer sacrifices to Confucius.

Despite their importance in traditional Korean education, hyanggyo schools began to decline in the late Joseon period due to various factors, including the introduction of modern Western-style schools and a weakening of Confucianism as the dominant ideology. Nevertheless, some hyanggyo schools still exist today as cultural relics and tourist attractions in Korea.