Uiryeong County Holds Academic Conference on "Figures and Scholarship of Uiryeong"

Succession of Toegye and Nammyeong Schools
The Joseon Confucian Renaissance Blossoms in Uiryeong

Uiryeong County in South Gyeongsang Province recently organized a meaningful event to revisit the scholarship and philosophies of Confucian scholars from Uiryeong, thereby continuing the authenticity of the region's academic history.

On November 12, the 12th Academic Conference on 'Figures and Scholarship of Uiryeong' was held, hosted by the Uiryeong Cultural Center.

'Figures and Scholarship of Uiryeong' 12th Academic Conference Held. Provided by Uiryeong County

This conference was organized to explore the philosophy and literary world of intellectuals from Uiryeong, spanning from the Joseon Dynasty to the modern transitional period, and to inherit their spiritual legacy in a contemporary context.

During the conference, interpretations were presented suggesting that Confucian scholars from Uiryeong, who inherited the scholarship of Toegye Yi Hwang and Nammyeong Jo Sik, led a 'Joseon Confucian Renaissance.' It was highlighted that the academic lineage and philosophies of Joseon's leading Confucian scholars grew and expanded within the cultural environment of Uiryeong, emphasizing Uiryeong's status as an important academic hub in the intellectual history of Joseon.

The presentations included four papers: Professor Kim Seho of Gyeongsang National University discussed "The Formation of Namgye Lee Jungmu's Sense of Duty and the Establishment of Sohakdang"; Professor Park Jeongmin of Kyungpook National University presented on "The Self-Preserving Writing of Late Joseon Intellectual Sujae Ju Sibum"; Professor Jeon Songhee of Pusan National University examined "Circumstances and Perceptions of the Era through Namgok Lee Taeha's 'Namgok Yujip'"; and Professor Park Dawon of Yeungnam University explored "The Relationship and Poetic World of Mukong and Sangam as Seen in 'Yeonbangjiprok.'"

Each presentation shed light on how Confucian scholars from Uiryeong preserved their sense of self through scholarship and sought to correct society through literature, even in turbulent times. The originality of 'Uiryeong's Academic History,' where the moral practice of Confucianism and literary expression are uniquely integrated, was particularly emphasized. It was also highlighted that Uiryeong is not merely a birthplace of notable figures but holds the stature of a 'hometown of intellectuals.'

In the subsequent general discussion, it was asserted that "Confucianism in Uiryeong was not on the periphery but at the center of Joseon's intellectual history." The discussants agreed on the need to systematically restore and reinterpret the academic legacy of Uiryeong in a modern context, evaluating the collected works and poetry of the four scholars as a "treasure trove of regional historical studies."

County Governor Oh Taewan stated, "Today's Uiryeong stands on the academic and cultural foundation laid by our predecessors," and added, "We will build Uiryeong as a cultural city for the next 100 years by emulating the spirit of the Confucian scholars who sought to correct society through scholarship from the Joseon Dynasty to the late 19th century."

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