Trends in Seowon in Sangju during the Joseon Dynasty

During the Joseon Dynasty, the construction of Seowon was delayed in Sangju compared to other areas in Yeongnam. After Donam seowon Confucian Academy, the first Confucian academy in Sangju, was built in 1606, Okseong seowon Confucian Academy and Geunam seowon Confucian Academy were built in the 17th century. In the process of construction of the three Confucian academies, the participation of the Sangju Sajok(士族) is gradually decreasing. Geunam seowon Confucian Academy is opposed by some of the Sangju Sajok and the participation of the Sajok of Mungyeong, Yonggung, and Andong. The differentiation of the Sangju Sajok society appears in the construction of the Confucian academy. In the first half of the 18th century, the construction of Seoin affiliation Seowon and Namin affiliation Seowon increased. Seoin affiliation Seowon was established in Sangju by Seoin affiliation's Sajok with a solid financial foundation, Heungam Seowon, Seosan Seowon, and Ungye Seowon through the support of Sanrim(山林) and government offices. Namin affiliation Seowon is led by families in the area where the Seowon is located, and similar to Geunam seowon Confucian Academy, the participation of not only the Sangju Sajok but also the Sajok of other surrounding regions is shown. In the second half of the 18th century, the family ties and the family-to-family relationship emerged as more important matters in the construction and operation of the Confucian academy than political grandeur. The existing Confucian academy was transformed into a family Confucian academy, and a family Confucian academy was built where a person from a single family was enshrined.