The Utilization and Challenges of Seowon Cultural Heritage－Focusing on the 2025 Top 90 National Heritage Programs for Hyanggyo and Seowon

This study examines the current status of Seowon utilization and identifies key challenges by highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Seowon－Confucian academies that fulfilled educational, ritual, and self governing functions during the Joseon Dynasty. To this end, Seowon cultural heritage elements were classified into nine categories based on the General Guidelines for the Preservation and Management of Seowon issued by the National Heritage Administration: ① education and lectures, ② rituals and ceremonies, ③ management and organization (networks), ④ figures and academic lineages, ⑤ architecture and landscape, ⑥ lifestyle, ⑦ documentary heritage, ⑧ economic activities, and ⑨ legends and anecdotes. The study analyzed 87 programs from 24 Seowon sites that independently participated in the “2025 Top 90 Hyanggyo and Seowon Heritage Programs,” a national initiative led by the National Heritage Administration. The analysis reveals a regional imbalance, with most Seowon utilization concentrated in the Yeongnam region, particularly North Gyeongsang Province, and parts of the Chungcheong region. Among the heritage types, architecture and landscape showed the highest utilization rates, followed by lifestyle, education, and academic heritage. In contrast, programs involving rituals and ceremonies, management and organization, and economic functions－core elements of Seowon－were rarely implemented or entirely absent, indicating a disconnect from the essential values of Seowon. Furthermore, some programs merely used Seowon as a backdrop for general traditional experiences, lacking deeper cultural relevance. Based on these findings, this study proposes several strategies for the sustainable utilization of Seowon cultural heritage. First, establish a foundation to reduce regional disparities and promote balanced cultural development. Second, cultivate specialized human resources and develop tailored strategies for each heritage category. Third, expand the scope of utilization by linking Seowon with various local and external cultural assets. Fourth, reinterpret the historical and cultural value of Seowon in a contemporary context. In conclusion, this study presents strategies aimed at ensuring both the identity and public relevance of Seowon in modern society. It provides a practical foundation for balancing heritage preservation with active cultural engagement and contributes to the sustainable transmission of traditional cultural assets.