Jongmyo Jeongjeon Returns After 5-Year Restoration
Jongmyo Jeongjeon Returns After 5-Year Restoration
After five years of meticulous restoration, the Jeongjeon Hall of Jongmyo Shrine—a symbol of the Joseon Dynasty's royal legitimacy and a masterpiece of traditional Korean architecture—has finally been unveiled to the public.
The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) of Korea officially opened the hall on April 20, marking the completion of the most extensive repair project undertaken since the late 20th century.
While partial repairs had been made between 1989 and 1991, including the roof and columns, this latest effort is regarded as the largest and most comprehensive in over 30 years.
A Monument of Heritage and Reverence
Located in central Seoul, Jongmyo Shrine served as the royal ancestral shrine of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897).
At its heart lies Jeongjeon, the main hall where the spirit tablets of deceased kings and queens were enshrined.
Initially, it housed the memorial tablets of King Taejo's four ancestors, but over time it became the spiritual home for 49 royal tablets across 19 chambers.
Designated as a National Treasure in 1985 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Jeongjeon is widely praised for its grandeur, minimalist elegance, and refined architectural symmetry.
Its linear form—extending over 100 meters—is often likened to a bold brushstroke of solemn majesty.
Handcrafted Roof Tiles Reclaim Balance
One of the most notable features of the renovation is the complete replacement of the roof tiles.
Previously, factory-produced tiles were used on the front and hand-made tiles on the rear, resulting in structural imbalance.
To correct this, around 70,000 traditional hand-crafted tiles were newly produced and installed, creating a uniform, lightweight, and historically accurate roof.
Tile production and installation were overseen by master artisans recognized as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Kim Chang-dae, a renowned tile craftsman, led the tile-making process using traditional methods and materials.
The joining of the tiles was undertaken by Byeonwajang (master roofer) Lee Geun-bok and his son, preservation educator Lee Joo-young.
The handmade tiles not only weigh about 33% less than their industrial counterparts (6kg vs. 9kg) but also exhibit a more natural and harmonious color.
Restoring Authenticity
Efforts were also made to restore the hall's surroundings to reflect its original dignity.
Cement mortar flooring installed during the Japanese occupation in 1928 was removed and replaced with handmade jeondol (traditional fired clay bricks).
These bricks were carefully laid to enhance both the historical integrity and aesthetic appeal of the site.
The expansive stone platform (Woldae) supporting Jeongjeon was partially reinforced.
Additionally, the wooden structure was repainted using traditional dancheong techniques and natural pigments, preserving its visual and cultural authenticity.
What was initially planned as a shorter-term project expanded after structural inspections revealed deeper deterioration, particularly during the roof dismantling phase.
This led to the disassembly and restoration of even the foundational choseok (cornerstones) and the base platform of Seowollang (a side annex).
Termite damage—a significant threat to wooden cultural properties—was also discovered near the western annex and addressed through preventive treatment.
The entire restoration project cost approximately 20 billion KRW (around 15 million USD).
Rediscovering the Past
A meaningful aspect of the restoration was the historical insight it offered.
Dendrochronological analysis revealed that some of the timber used in the building dates back to the reign of King Gwanghaegun (r. 1608–1623), confirming historical accounts that the current Jeongjeon was reconstructed during his reign after the original structure was destroyed during the Japanese invasions in the late 16th century.
Originally built in 1395, the shrine was rebuilt in 1608 as an 11-chamber structure.
It was later expanded by King Yeongjo and King Heonjong, who each added four chambers.
A rare architectural artifact, a Sangnyangmun—a document placed during the final stages of roof beam installation—was also discovered beneath the ridge beam of the 11th chamber.
Experts believe it dates to the 1726 expansion under King Yeongjo, aligning with records from the Jongmyo Gae-su Dogam Uigwe, a royal construction document.
Return of the Royal Spirits
With the restoration complete, the spirit tablets of Joseon’s kings and queens—temporarily housed at the former Seonwonjeon in Changdeokgung Palace—have now returned to their rightful place in Jeongjeon.
The ceremonial Hwanan ritual, marking the return of the royal tablets, was held on April 20—the first such event in 155 years, since King Gojong’s reign in 1870.
In a grand procession reminiscent of a bygone era, 28 palanquins and seven horses traveled the 3.5 km route from Gwanghwamun to Jongmyo, accompanied by citizens in traditional attire.
Upon arrival, a Goyuje (ritual for informing the spirits of their return) and a commemorative ceremony were held.
Cultural Events and Future Plans
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jongmyo’s UNESCO inscription, the Cultural Heritage Administration plans a series of cultural events at the shrine.
From April 24 to May 2, nightly performances of Jongmyo Jeryeak—court ritual music performed during ancestral rites—will be held at Jeongjeon.
Between April 26 and May 2, reenactments of royal ceremonies involving queens will also take place.
Additionally, the most important and grand of all Joseon royal rituals, the Jongmyo Daeje, will be opened to the public for the first time in six years.
Commissioner Choi Eung-chon of the Cultural Heritage Administration commented, “The restoration of Jongmyo Jeongjeon represents the revival of ancient craftsmanship through modern Korean techniques. It is a bridge that connects our past, present, and future, and we are committed to preserving the full value of this national heritage.”
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