Ancient Korean school that taught Chinese classics sees tourism boom after becoming Unesco heritage site

The Sosu Seowon, built in 1543, was attended by aspiring civil servants and taught the works of Chinese sages, including Confucius and Mencius

Older than Harvard University, it was designated as a collective World Heritage Site together with eight other Confucian schools earlier this year

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Sosu Seowon, built in 1543, the first Confucian academy in Korea. Photo: Handout

Published: 11:00am, 2 Jan 2020Updated: 11:32pm, 2 Jan 2020

An ancient school older than Harvard University has become a booming tourist attraction in South Korea, after the United Nations’ heritage body designated it as a World Heritage Site earlier this year.

Sosu Seowon, built some 500 years ago during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), was Korea’s first private Confucian academy, or seowon, focused on educating aspiring civil servants and cultivating students with Chinese classics and teachings by Chinese philosopher Confucius.

The institute, along with eight other seowons in the country, earned Unesco’s heritage distinction in July.

“The property exhibits an outstanding testimony to thriving Neo-Confucian academies that promoted learning of Neo-Confucianism, which was introduced from China and became fundamental to every aspect of Korea,” Unesco said.

The design of Sosu Seowon allowed students to enjoy the natural surroundings of the area. Photo: Handout

Sosu Seowon’s new status has led to a surge in tourist interest. As of December 2019, the number of visitors to the school rose to 330,000, up 40 per cent from the previous year, according to figures from the tourism authorities. About 99 per cent of visitors are domestic.