9 Korean Confucian academies recommended for UNESCO World Heritage list

SEOUL, May 14 (Yonhap) -- Nine South Korean Confucian academies have been recommended for addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) said Tuesday. According to CHA, UNESCO's International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory group to UNESCO, suggested nine "Seowon," or Korean neo-Confucian academies, be listed. Seowon refers to private Confucian academies in Korea established during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) to honor renowned Confucian scholars as well as to educate youth. They were also key venues for discussing social and state affairs among local aristocrats during the Confucianism-dominated Joseon era. The nine recommended academies are Sosu Seowon in Yeongju, Nangye Seowon in Hamyang, Oksan Seowon in Gyeongju, Dosan and Byeongsan Seowon in Andong, Dodong Seowon in Daegu, Pilam Seowon in Jangseong, Museong Seowon in Jeongeup and Donam Seowon in Nonsan. The final decision will be made at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, at the end of June, with the listings most likely to be made. brk@yna.co.kr (END)