Gyeongju Preserves Millennia-Old Ancestral Rites, Officials & Leaders Pledge Continued Tradition
GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA – A series of ancestral rites honoring Silla Dynasty royalty recently took place in Gyeongju, reaffirming a tradition dating back to 1429. The ceremonies, held at Sunghyejeon (Gyeongsangbuk-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 256) and Sungsinjeon (Gyeongsangbuk-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 255), recognized Kings Michu, Munmu, gyeongsun, Seoktalhae, and Queen Seondeok, as well as King Taejong Muyeol.
Sunghyejeon, originally founded in the 11th year of King sejong’s reign, and restored in 1735 (the 11th year of King Yeongjo’s reign), hosted rites for Kings Michu, Munmu, and Gyeongsun. Participants included Kim Byeong-ho, Kim Jin-hee, and Kim jung-bae, serving as constitutional officers. Additional memorial tablets for Kings Michu and Munmu were enshrined in 1887 and 1888 respectively, and the ‘Sunghyejeon’ plaque was bestowed upon the site. The location of Sunghyejeon has shifted over time, moving to Dongcheon-dong in 1627 (the 5th year of King Injo’s reign) and its current location in 1794 (the 18th year of King Jeongjo’s reign).
Sungsinjeon, dedicated to King Seoktalhae, saw Seok Soo-deok, Seok Jin-gap, and Seok eung-su fulfill constitutional officer roles. Built in Wolseong in 1898 (the 2nd year of King Gwangmu’s reign), Sungsinjeon relocated near King Seoktalhae’s tomb in 1980.
Rites were also conducted at the tombs of King Naemul and King Taejong Muyeol, with participants including Kim Won-ju, ahn Sun-jae, Kim Mun-seok, Kim Nam-seong, Kim Byeong-gi, and Kim Nam-min.
Gyeongju mayor Joo Nak-yeong emphasized the importance of preserving this cultural heritage, stating, “even in the rapidly changing modern era, the conventional ritual culture must continue its life, and the ancestral rites that have continued since the Silla period are not just rites, but a living heritage that conveys the spirit and ideology of life of our ancestors to descendants.” he called for continued reverence and affection for the tradition from all citizens.
