Jeonju Hyanggyo (Confucian School) Covered in Yellow Gingko Leaves

Autumn is peaking with colorful leaves. If you’re visiting Jeonju Hanok Village this autumn, don’t miss this great autumn spot: Jeonju Hyanggyo (Confucian School). The giant but graceful gingko trees of Jeonju Hyanggyo are famous nationally.

I initially visited Jeonju Hyanggyo bit too early. The gingko leaves weren’t completely yellow yet.

I revisited a week later. It was raining. I was worried that all the yellow leaves might fall in the rain.

I entered the main courtyard of Jeonju Hyanggyo.

It was as if the premise was covered in yellow silky carpet, too beautiful to step on. Although my shoes got wet and it was raining, I couldn’t stop taking photos.

It’s estimated the giant gingko tree is around 420 years old. The tree is 10.4m in girth and 32m in height. People suspect that the tree was planted in 1603, when Jeonju Hyanggyo moved to the current spot.

It’s customary to plant gingko trees at hyanggyos (Confucian schools) around Korea. This is because gingko trees symbolize the spirit of seonbi, the Confucian scholars. As gingko trees that repel insects, the Confucian scholars should not be corrupted.

Outdoor calligraphy and photo exhibitions were under way.

The Myungryundang building is known as very instagrammable spot in autumn. Traditional weddings and other cultural and educational events are also held here.

I sat on the maru, the elevated wooden floor of hanok building. For a while, I just kept watching the giant gingko tree and the yellow leaves falling in the autumn breeze. It was very relaxing but also thought-provoking.

Visit Jeonju Hyanggyo this week to enjoy the place covered in the yellow gingko leaves. It’s one of the best autumn destinations in Korea!

Jeonju Hyanggyo

Address: Hyanggyogil 139, Wansangu, Jeonju

Contact: 063-288-4544

Opening hours: 09:00~17:00 (from late autumn to early spring); 09:00~18:00 (from late spring to early autumn)

Admission is free