Songdam Seowon Confucian Academy, Gangneung
Confucian academy (seowon) · Data as of
Songdam Seowon in Gangneung is a Confucian academy honoring Yulgok Yi I; it is always open, every day of the year. It was first built in 1624, the 2nd year of King Injo, at Wanggogae in Haksan-ri, Gujeong-myeon, under the name Seokcheon Seowon. It moved to its present site in 1652, the 3rd year of King Hyojong, and received a signboard naming it Songdam Seowon in 1660, the 1st year of King Hyeonjong. In 1804, the 4th year of King Sunjo, a great forest fire burned most of its buildings; it was demolished under the 1871 decree abolishing seowon, and the shrine was rebuilt in 1905. When first built, it consisted of a shrine, side corridors, east and west dormitories, a lecture hall, Gwangjeru Pavilion and a library. For inquiries, call the City of Gangneung Cultural Heritage Division at +82-33-640-5119.
- Location
- 강원특별자치도 강릉시 강동면 송담서원길 27-7
- Opening hours
- Always open
- Closed
- Open all year
- Admission
- Check on site
- Contact
- City of Gangneung Cultural Heritage Division, +82-33-640-5119
- Restrooms
- Available
Official information page (Korean)
What is Songdam Seowon?
Short answer: A Confucian academy honoring Munseonggong Yulgok Yi I, originally named Seokcheon Seowon.
First built at Wanggogae in Haksan-ri, Gujeong-myeon, it moved to its present site in 1652, the 3rd year of King Hyojong. In 1660, the 1st year of King Hyeonjong, it received a signboard naming it Songdam Seowon, and its shrine stele was erected in 1726.
What are the opening hours and admission fee?
Short answer: The official data gives no admission fee, so check on site. It is always open, every day of the year.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 강원특별자치도 강릉시 강동면 송담서원길 27-7 |
| Opening hours | Always open |
| Closed | Open all year |
| Admission | Check on site |
| Contact | City of Gangneung Cultural Heritage Division, +82-33-640-5119 |
| Restrooms | Available |
It is always open, but access may be restricted during memorial rites, so check with the contact number: the City of Gangneung Cultural Heritage Division, +82-33-640-5119. What you see today is the result of the shrine’s rebuilding in 1905 and restoration since 1971. The official data gives no admission fee, so check with the contact number.
What should I see at Songdam Seowon?
Short answer: See the Songdamsa shrine, the main gate, the middle gate, the jaesil hall and the shrine stele, and look at the Songdamjae signboard hung on the jaesil.
Today the academy consists of a shrine bearing the signboard Songdamsa, a main gate, a middle gate, a jaesil hall and a shrine stele. The Songdamjae signboard on the jaesil is in the calligraphy of Haesa Kim Seong-geun.
The shrine stele inscription was composed in 1726 by Chief State Councillor Jeong Ho and written by Third State Councillor Min Jin-won. When the academy was first founded, Gangwon Governor Yun An-seong, Gangneung Magistrate Gang Ju and local residents Kim Mong-ho and Yi Sang-pil, among others, led the way; the 1652 move was arranged by Gangwon Governor Kim Ik-hui and Gangneung Magistrate Yi Man-yeong.
In 1905 the shrine was rebuilt with money raised by local Confucian scholars, and memorial rites are held every year on the second jeong day of the second lunar month. After Songdamsa was built in 1971, the east and west dormitories and the three-door gate were restored.
Where can I eat or get coffee near Songdam Seowon Confucian Academy?
Short answer: 1 restaurant between 1.9 km, listed from the closest.
| Restaurant | Type | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| 금광리소양가든 | Korean | 1.9 km | About 1.9 km (straight line) |
Select a name to open its page on our restaurant or café guide (in Korean). The small dots on the map also show nearby places that are not in the tables.
See it on the map
The large purple pin is Songdam Seowon Confucian Academy. Tap a pin to see its name and distance.
What else is there to see near Songdam Seowon Confucian Academy?
Short answer: The closest is Gulsansa Temple Site (about 3.7 km (straight line)), and there are 1 attractions within 4 km.
| Attraction | Type | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulsansa Temple Site | Temple site, historic site | 3.7 km | About 3.7 km (straight line) |
Who is Songdam Seowon Confucian Academy good for?
- Anyone who wants to see the shrine and stele honoring Yulgok Yi I in person
- Those who want to see the layout of a Joseon-era Confucian academy
- Anyone touring sites related to Yulgok Yi I
- Those looking for a quiet historic site
- Anyone curious about how the academy was burned, demolished and rebuilt
Check before you go
- During memorial rites, check whether you can enter
- The official data gives no admission fee, so check on site
- Look at the signboards and stele, but do not touch them
Checklist
- Check the memorial rite schedule
- Decide whether to combine it with Ojukheon and other Yulgok sites
- Pick nearby restaurants and cafés on the map in advance
- Decide the order for the shrine, jaesil and stele
Photos of Songdam Seowon Confucian Academy
Frequently asked questions
Who is honored at Songdam Seowon?
It is a Confucian academy honoring Munseonggong Yulgok Yi I.
When did it move to its present site?
In 1652, the 3rd year of King Hyojong.
What has Songdam Seowon been through?
In 1804, the 4th year of King Sunjo, a great forest fire burned most of its buildings; local Confucian scholars rebuilt part of it, but it was demolished under the decree abolishing seowon in 1871, the 8th year of King Gojong. In 1905 the shrine was rebuilt with money raised by local scholars, and from 1971 the east and west dormitories and the three-door gate were restored.
When are memorial rites held?
Every year on the second jeong day of the second lunar month.
Things to do in Gangneung
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Sources
- Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI, Korean-language tourist information (attraction details) · Korea Tourism Organization · accessed 2026-10-23 (Korean-language source)
- Official information page · Operator · accessed 2026-10-23 (Korean-language source)
Fees, hours and closing days can change. Please check with the site before you visit.