The development pattern of the Seowon activities of the Danseonghyeon nsajok in the 18th and 19th centuries

This study examines the development and objectives of the activities of the sajok (local gentry) in Danseong-hyeon during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly focusing on two notable aspects of their seowon (private academies) activities. First, the phenomenon of the increase in private shrines, and second, the emphasis on ‘hyanganjason’ (descendants listed in the local registry) in the 19th century. Both phenomena were closely related to national policies. The sajok of Danseong-hyeon responded to the state's seowon policies by establishing private shrines. In response to changing political trends and policy shifts such as the lifting of restrictions on secondary status groups, the sajok of Danseong-hyeon emphasized their identity as ‘hyanganjason.’ In other words, these seowon activities were a form of social movement carried out by the sajok of Danseong-hyeon to assert their identity as ‘true sajok’ amidst changing state policies.