Historical Travel Destination In Korea - 'Dodong Seowon' Traditional Educational Institution Of Korea From The Past, History Trip In Daegu #1

Historical Travel Destination Of Korea
Dodong Seowon In Daegu

Written by Kim Suk-hyeon,

Travel Writer 

It's autumn with gentle breeze in Korea now. It is great to go on a trip in autumn since the sky is clear and the wind is cool.

Daegu Travel would like to recommend a trip to 'Seowon', the historical travel destination. Seowon is a place where Korean scholars in the past gathered together to study and read. Now Seowon is a good place to have a walk and enjoy the scenery while sitting down at a loft. It is a great place to line up your travel destinations and enjoy an outing for a day or overnight. 

Today, we introduce Dodong Seowon of Daegu, considered as one of the top 5 Seowon in Korea.

  Dodong Seowon

Gaze at Nakdong River and experience Korea’s past scholars taste of the arts

There are a lot of Seowon in Dalseong-gun, Daegu but Dodong Seowon is the best place in Daegu. It stands out from the rest and this place can be considered as one of the top 5 Seowon in Korea. It was established in 1568 for teacher Kim Kweng Pil from Korea Japan Friendship Center as a place of honor and virtue. The building was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion but it was re-constructed in 1604. In 1607, the ancestors made a petition to the king to grant a name-plaque for Seowon. It has a beautiful scenery as it stands against the mountain while overlooking Nakdong River with streams of cool water.

Dodong Seowon has several buildings harmoniously standing through the sloping terrain. First, the huge size of the gingko tree welcomes visitors. The gingko tree which is approximately over 400 year old grows abundant foliage yearly and during the late fall, the leaves turn into a sweet yellow. 

You will be able to see the Suwollu pavilion as you climb up a few stairs. By sitting down at the open loft, the blue colored river flows nearby as if it can be embraced and the old plains stretch widely across the river. As you pass by Suwollu Pavilion and climb the stairs, you will see Hwanjumun gate. It is a place where you have to bow down your head since it is too narrow and low that only one person can pass by. Jungjeongdang hall is the center of the Seowon building and is the place where Confucian scholars in the past gathered and studied.

Climb up the winding hills to reach Daramjae. You will be able to see Dodong Seowon at a glance in this place. As you reach the top of Daramjae, the strong wind becomes cool. Daramjae has several attractions including Daegu national science museum, Yugasa Temple and Biseul Mountain Natural Recreation Forest.

■ Getting to Dodong Seowon by public transport 

Take Dalsung4(달성4) bus at Hyunpung Bus Terminal and get off at the last stop(Dodong Seowon).

■ Address: 726, Gujiseo-ro, Guji-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, Korea

■ Inquiry

    1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)