Seodang (Korean: 서당) were private village schools providing elementary education during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties of Korea.

They were primarily occupied with providing initial training in the Chinese classics to boys of 7 to 16 years of age, but often served students into their twenties.

[2][3] Widespread during the Goryeo period, these flourished during Joseon times and were the dynasty's most common educational institution.

[6] Beginning in 1918, regulations on private education became much more stringent and repressive; the number of seodang dropped sharply.

Their purpose is to teach Chinese character skills from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels.