This study examines how the feng shui standpoint theory of Confucian scholars, which is the source of seowon during the Joseon Dynasty, actually influenced the construction of seowon. The subjects of this study are Dosanseowon, Dodongseowon, and Byeon...
This study examines how the feng shui standpoint theory of Confucian scholars, which is the source of seowon during the Joseon Dynasty, actually influenced the construction of seowon. The subjects of this study are Dosanseowon, Dodongseowon, and Byeongsan-seowon, including Lee Hwang’s feng shui standpoint theory and Dosanseodang. These seowon are the places where Lee Hwang’s disciples took the lead in the construction, and reflect Lee Hwang’s feng shui standpoint theory.
Feng Shui Geography is the study of understanding the existence of qi(氣) and explaining the relationship between humans and the environment through it. Confucian scholars standpoint of feng shui theory is intertwined with the idea of 'filial piety(孝)'. The representative rites of filial piety strengthened the bond between ancestors and descendants, and feng shui played a role in strengthening this ritual culture. Confucian scholars of the Sòng(宋) Dynasty emphasized the importance of rituals along with detailed discussions on feng shui geography. This spirit developed throughout Neo-Confucianism. The Confucian scholars of the Sòng(宋) Dynasty accepted feng shui very practically. He emphasized the principle of synchronous response that using feng shui only as a aesthetic or unaesthetic of the land, but that the descendants are comfortable only when the ancestors are comfortable based on filial piety. The Confucian scholars of Joseon, who inherited the Neo-Confucianism of the Nán Sòng Dynasty, regarded feng shui geography as a private weird opinion with a dual attitude and regarded it as a liberal arts subject. However, feng shui geography existed and developed together because it was the last of the filial piety claimed by the Confucian scholars.
Seowon in China flourished during the Nán Sòng Dynasty as an educational institution. However, seowon during the Joseon Dynasty has the characteristics of having both educational and memorial service functions, and Baekwoon-dong Seowon was built for the first time in 1543. Highest authority Toegye(退溪) Lee Hwang(李滉) of Joseon's Neo-Confucianism focused on the construction and development of seowon to promote Neo-Confucianism and edification of local village.
Lee Hwang inherited Zhu Xi's standpoint of feng shui and accepted it very pragmatically, showing a face of accepting nature as much as possible. He cultivated his disciples by finding the topography of Baesan-imsu(背山臨水), designing and constructing simple and restrained buildings that fit the spirit of Neo-Confucianism. In particular, emphasis was placed on 'Deuksu(得水)' and 'Bibo(裨補) theory'. Most of the seowon, located near the Nakdong River, show that they have passed down their teacher's standpoint of feng shui. Dosanseowon is an educational institution through unity with nature, Dodongseowon harmoniously accepts feng shui geographical defects, and Byeongsanseowon harmonizes with nature through spatial composition.