Jongmyo Jeongjeon Undergoes Restoration for the First Time in 30 Years... Replacing Wood and Roof Tiles

"Construction until 2022... May be extended depending on circumstances"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] The Cultural Heritage Administration's Office of Royal Palaces and Tombs announced on the 23rd that restoration and maintenance of the Jongmyo Jeongjeon (Main Hall of Jongmyo Shrine, National Treasure No. 277), a UNESCO World Heritage site, will begin as early as May. This is the first construction project in about 30 years since 1991. Due to the aging of the building, damage has been confirmed in major components, roof tiles, and the Woldae (stone platform).

Jongmyo Jeongjeon is a ritual space housing the spirit tablets of major kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty in nineteen rooms. It is the longest traditional Korean architectural structure. It has wing-like wings (Iklang, 翼廊) on both sides, forming a 'ㄷ'-shaped layout when viewed from above. In a 2015 survey, abnormalities were found in the roof and the Jegigo (祭器庫, a storage for ritual vessels), raising the need for continuous monitoring.

The Office of Royal Palaces and Tombs plans to repair the Iklang this year and work on the central part of Jeongjeon in the second half of next year. Additionally, to correct the phenomenon where factory-made roof tiles are unevenly placed on one side, 70,000 handmade roof tiles will be produced and replaced. The Woldae supporting Jeongjeon is also partially dismantled and repaired due to displacement of the stone masonry.

The Office stated, "The restoration work is expected to be completed by 2022, but the period may be extended depending on circumstances." They added, "Although temporary structures will be installed during the construction period, viewing will not be restricted."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.