A Study on Ecology and Eco-Tourism in Sosu-seowon at Kyongsang-Bukdo Youngju-si

A groundbreaking ecological and cultural analysis of Sosu-seowon, the first private Neo-Confucian Academy inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage, reveals significant discrepancies between its symbolic trees and historical records. The study highlights that two Ginkgo biloba trees, representing Confucian teachings, are dioecious—a biological trait overlooked in prior research—while Zelkova trees symbolize Korean adaptation of Chinese pagoda traditions. Notably, the presence of Nymphaea instead of lotuses in Tak-yeong-ji contradicts historical accounts linked to Sung Dynasty Neo-Confucianism, undermining both academic integrity and cultural heritage value. The research emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive documentation and preservation of Seowon trees (e.g., Ginkgo biloba, Korean red pine) to safeguard their ecological and historical significance, bridging gaps in existing records that influenced UNESCO’s inscription decision.

Kang, P.-K. (2022). A Study on Ecology and Eco-Tourism in Sosu-seowon at Kyongsang-Bukdo Youngju-si. The Journal of Cultural Policy, 36(1), 113–138. https://doi.org/10.16937/jcp.2022.36.1.113