Dodongseowon Confucian Academy was first established by Confucian scholars in 1568 at the eastern base of Biseulsan Mountain, but was burnt down during the Imjin War (1592-1598). In 1605, the school was reconstructed on its current site and was renamed Borodongseowon. In 1607, the name was changed to Dongdoseowon. "Dongdo" means that the teachings ("do") of Confucianism come from the East (dong in Korean). Dodongseowon is one of the 47 major Confucian academies that was not affected by Heungseon Daewongun's order to eliminate Confucian academies.