For a cultural trip to Naju-si, Geumseonggwan Hall and Naju Hyanggyo offer two different historical highlights. At the hall, you can learn about its former role as a guesthouse, royal ceremonies, and a ginkgo tree more than 600 years old. At the Hyanggyo, the focus is on its former educational role, an architectural comparison with Seoul, and seasonal impressions. Together, these topics offer different ways to explore Naju’s history.
Geumseonggwan: Guesthouse, Rituals, and Ginkgo Tree
Geumseonggwan Hall was built sometime between 1475 and 1479. During the Joseon period, it served as a state-run guesthouse for government officials. Its former uses also included ceremonial rituals in honor of the king, held on the first and fifteenth day of each month. These details describe different aspects of the hall: its construction period, its function, and a recurring historical ceremony.
Another chapter in its history is the restoration project to return it to its original appearance, which ran from 1976 to 1977. The building’s historical significance as a symbol of the anti-Japanese movement supported by Naju’s residents is also part of its story. Geumseonggwan thus brings together both architectural changes and a historical interpretation connected to the site.
A large ginkgo tree with a dense canopy stands in the hall’s back courtyard. It is more than 600 years old. The hall’s special features therefore include not only its architecture and history, but also this ancient tree. For visitors interested in historic places, it offers a distinct perspective on the relationship between built heritage and a long-lived natural landmark.
Naju Hyanggyo: A Place of Learning and Seasonal Impressions
Naju Hyanggyo was formerly Naju’s state-run school. Its layout follows the same Jeonmyohuhak plan as Seoul’s Sungkyunkwan. This offers a specific architectural point of comparison with Seoul, focusing on the arrangement of the buildings. This differs from Geumseonggwan’s history as a guesthouse and a site for royal rituals.
The seasons also shape the impressions described at the Hyanggyo. In summer, these include crape myrtle blossoms; in autumn, ginkgo leaves. Autumn connects the Hyanggyo with another ginkgo feature at Geumseonggwan: the more than 600-year-old tree in its back courtyard. In summer, the crape myrtle at the Hyanggyo offers a different seasonal highlight. When choosing when to travel, you can distinguish between the specific summer and autumn features mentioned here.
A Walking Tour of Naju-eupseong Village
The walking tour of Naju-eupseong Village begins at Geumseonggwan Hall and continues toward Naju Hyanggyo. Naju Moksanaea is also part of the route: this traditional hanok house was built in 1825. The three sites offer different historical perspectives along the walk, from the hall’s former function to the Hyanggyo’s educational role and the architecture of a hanok house.
The construction dates provide a concrete timeline for comparison. Geumseonggwan Hall was built between 1475 and 1479, while Naju Moksanaea dates to 1825. The hall’s restoration project, which ran from 1976 to 1977, also makes it possible to distinguish between its original construction period and a much later restoration of its appearance. These dates help set the sites’ different historical contexts apart rather than treating them as a single chapter.
More Things to See in Naju Administrative Area
At the former Naju Station in Naju administrative area, wax figures recreate historical ticket inspections and the work of railway staff during the Japanese occupation. Here, the focus is on railway history, a different subject from the historic buildings on the village walking tour.
The history of Moksa-goul Market is another point of reference for visitors: it was established in 2012 by combining Naju’s five-day market with its daily market. For a culinary option, Naju Gomtang Noanjip is a restaurant in Naju administrative area specializing in Naju gomtang. Check the restaurant’s current operating status before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Yeosu, Gurye, Haenam-gun, Mokpo, Damyang-gun, Hwasun-Gun, Goheung-gun, Yeonggwang-gun.
For the broader travel overview: Jeollanam-Do.
