Welcome to Sung Kyun Kwan, the foremost school of Joseon. This was the national university of Joseon, where I served as a Daesaseong.

During the Joseon era, Sung Kyun Kwan wasn't just a school. Confucianism was central to Joseon society, emphasizing the importance of emulating the wisdom of past sages. That's why there was Daeseongjeon Shrine inside Sung Kyun Kwan, honoring Confucius and other scholars, giving it a reputation as a Confucian shrine. Alongside, there was the Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall for student studies. It blended the reverence for past sages with the duty of nurturing national talent, akin to a Western mission school.

In the Daeseongjeon Shrine in front of Sung Kyun Kwan, there are the memorial tablets of the four Confucian saints - Anshi, Zhengzi, Zisi, and Mencius, centered on Confucius. Additionally, there are the tablets for the ten disciples of Confucius, known as Gongmun 10 Cheol, the six scholars of the Song Dynasty, Songjo 6 Hyeon, and the eighteen virtuous men of Korea, Seonghyeon 18 In. Today, rituals like the Seokjeon Daeje are performed here during spring and autumn.

Behind the Daeseongjeon Shrine, you'll find the Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall, where scholars studied, alongside dormitories such as Dongjae East Dormitory and Seojae West Dormitory. There are additional areas like the Jon'gyeong'gak Library and the Jinsa cafeteria, designed specifically for the scholars nearby.

The layout of having the Daeseongjeon Shrine in front and the Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall behind it was a typical setup in national schools throughout the country, like the Learning Halls of the Four Districts in Hanyang and local schools like Hyanggyo. In some instances, if the terrain was sloped, the Daeseongjeon Shrine was positioned behind the Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall to signify its significance. Exploring Hyanggyo in different regions would provide more insights into this arrangement.

By the way, Myeongnyundang got its name to represent the cultivation of ethics through education and enlightening students. The grand ginkgo tree in front symbolizes Haengdan where Confucius instructed his disciples, making Sung Kyun Kwan a space where each structure and tree embodies the essence of education.

Joining Sung Kyun Kwan, the premier academy of Joseon, wasn't a walk in the park, but once you were in, being a student had its perks. Most lived in Dongjae East Dormitory and Seojae West Dormitory on both sides of Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall, and tuition was free. They had exclusive exams called 'Byeolsi' for government service entry, but to take it, they needed to ace daily Ilgang or monthly Wolgang evaluations, avoiding failing 'Bultong' grades. Also, attendance was vital; they had to eat and sign in twice daily at Jinsa cafeteria, even if the food was reputedly unappetizing, aiming for 300 Wonjeom attendance points.

Sungkyunkwan students were dedicated to their studies and took charge, forming self-governing bodies and regulations to manage affairs. When they disagreed with government decisions, they'd show their stance by collective actions, like boycotting classes or refusing to attend school.

Daeseongjeon Shrine, Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall, Jinsa cafeteria, and Jon'gyeong'gak Library are all precious places. But these days, many aspiring talents pursue different paths rather than Sung Kyun Kwan. As the Daesaseong of Sung Kyun Kwan, it's a bit disappointing, yet it emphasizes the importance of Korea nurturing diverse talents. Having talents and exceptional mentors who can cultivate and teach them doesn't necessarily have to be limited to Sung Kyun Kwan.

Schools play a crucial role in shaping eras, yet there's always concern about whether the school might not keep up with the times. It'd be wonderful to reflect on how academia evolves with the times while contemplating that grand ginkgo tree.

It's time to leave the Sung Kyun Kwan. I think I need to look more at how education is conducted in other places. Also, before departing, there's something worth checking out: Tangpyeongbi, right on the way to Sung Kyun Kwan.