[December 4, 2008]
A cultural struggle that was left in the clouds for 10 years due to the 'NIMBY' (not in my backyard) effect and conflicts with various development projects finally found a solution.
On the 3rd, Yeungnam University (president Tong-ki Woo) agreed on a donation contract for the moving and restoration of 'Hwasan Seowon' (photo), which is Gyeongbuk-do cultural property no. 22, with its owner, Indong-Jang family. On this day, Indong-Jang family also donated 100 million won to Yeungnam University.
Hwasan Seowon, which is located at Jung-ri, Seokjeok-myeon, Chilgok-gun is a school that was established for fostering students of Jang Gyeong-woo (Manhoedang) in the 21st year of King Hyojong (1651) of the Joseon (also choson, chosun) Dynasty. In the 6th year of Kim Heonjong (1840), the community agreed to move the school to Hwasan at Seonggok-ri, Seokjeok-myeon, Chilgok-gun and erect a shrine for Manhoedang. However, in the 8th year of King Gojong (1871), Confucian memorial halls were ordered to be demolished and now only the auditorium remains. The auditorium has five rooms in the front and three on the side making it a relatively large building and there is a floor-heated room around the well-floor. This displays the architectural style of the later Joseon Dynasty and it has high preservation value.
However, because of rapid development around the area due to establishment of new towns, and collapse-threats of the building worsened, it looked for a place to move to for the last 10 years. However, local residents all opposed it from moving to its area and thus, was basically left abandoned. This is because once it is designated as a cultural property, there are various regulations in the region of a 500m radius on building new structures, changing use of buildings, etc.
descendants of Indong Jang Manhoedang thus notified Yeungnam University that they wanted to donate the Hwasan Seowon in July 2005. Thus, they visited Yeungnam University and began pursuing the moving of the historic school to the university. In result, a donation contract was agreed upon on today and transfer/restoration projects will soon begin.
Through this donation, Hwasan Seowon will move to the west side of the 'Gyeongju Gable Roof House' at Yeungnam University Gyeongsan Campus. In late December, Yeungnam University will begin the transfer and restoration project and once it is completed, it will be used for traditional culture education for the students.
