The academy of Dosan Seowon was designed to serve two purposes: education and commemoration. 

The academy was established in 1574 and was completed in memory of Korean Confucian scholar Yi Hwang by a few of his disciples. Hwang settled in the area around 1549 and begun construction on the private Korean Confucian academy. His goal was to offer teachings in the classics for the students.

Dosan Seowon was one of the leading academies of its time, and for over 400 years, it was famed as the home of the Toegye School of Thought. Although the educational element of Dosan Seowon’s purpose ceased decades ago, it still serves as a location for commemorative ceremonies that take place twice a year.