This monument is the Tangpyeongbi, written and erected by King Yeongjo, the 21st King of the Joseon Dynasty. ‘Tangpyeong’ means fairness, aiming to remain impartial. Let me share a portion of it with you.

“The heart of a nobleman remains harmonious and unbiased, while the petty person is biased and lacks harmony.”

The political factions were initially groups with common interests, but King Yeongjo, having seen their harmful impact, raised the Tangpyeongbi to stress impartial politics. He advised Sung Kyun Kwan scholars not to take sides or create factions. These factions surfaced during King Seonjo's reign, the 14th King of Joseon. Initially, they weren't all negative - young officials were keen on reforms, which sometimes caused conflicts or differing opinions with the older officials.

Yet, during the Japanese Invasions of Korea between 1592 and 1598 and Second Manchu Invasion of Korea in 1636, these political factions, more focused on their interests than the nation's welfare, brought severe negative consequences. King Yeongjo worried that scholars would be influenced by these factions before starting their careers. Thus, he raised this monument at Bansugyo Bridge, the entrance to Sung Kyun Kwan, perhaps reflecting his high expectations for Sung Kyun Kwan’s role.

Now, let's depart from Sung Kyun Kwan and explore elsewhere. Though it is a little strange to me, teaching and learning transcend time, so I'll guide you through this space with dedication.

Alright, once we descend from the path leading to Sung Kyun Kwan, head left at the Sung Kyun Kwan University Intersection and proceed until you reach the Hyehwa-dong Rotary. From there, continue along the left road to arrive at the 'House of Prime Minister Jang Myeon.' Let's meet again there.