Susoseowon

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Sosu Seowon is the oldest seowon, private Neo-Confucian academy in Korea established during the Joseon Dynasty period. It was founded at the entrance of SuksuTemple by Ju Sebung (1495–1554), who was serving as magistrate of Pungseong county.

Sosu Seowon was the only seowon that survived from the Seowon Abolishment by Heungseon Daewongun Regent in 1871. It has been well preserved retaining most of its old structures and is designated as National Treasure of South Korea #55.

About 4,000 scholars, including the pupils of Confucian scholar Toegye Yi Hwang, studied at the institute.

During the Joseon era (1392–1910), Korean Buddhism suffered heavy persecution. Many temples were closed and renovated for other uses. Because Sosu Seowon originally had been a Buddhist temple and then became a private academy, Sosu Seowon has an unconventional architectural layout compared with later Confucian academies.