Ancestral Tablets of Joseon Kings and Queens to Return to Jongmyo Jeongjeon After Five Years

49 Ancestral Tablets to Return to Jongmyo Shrine After Four Years
Restoration of Jeongjeon Hall Nears Completion
First Hwananje Ritual in 155 Years to Be Reenacted Based on Royal Protocol
Procession to Escort Ancestral Tablets Through Central Seoul

The 49 ancestral tablets (sinju), which had been temporarily enshrined at the former Seonwonjeon Hall of Changdeokgung Palace, will return to the Jeongjeon Hall of Jongmyo Shrine after four years.

Exterior view of Jongmyo Jeongjeon after renovation work completed
Photo by National Heritage Administration provided

The National Heritage Administration announced on the 31st that the Hwananje (Return and Re-enshrinement Ritual) will be held on April 20. This is a ceremony performed when relocating the ancestral tablets of Joseon kings and queens, as well as emperors and empresses of the Korean Empire, to their original places.

The Jeongjeon Hall, which will receive the ancestral tablets, is the central building of Jongmyo Shrine. It is known as the longest single building in Korea, featuring a long, unadorned structure. In the early Joseon period, it enshrined the tablets of King Taejo Lee Seonggye's four ancestors (Mokjo, Ikjo, Dojo, and Hwanjo), but later became the site for memorial services for kings and queens recognized for their virtue. The hall consists of nineteen rooms, housing the ancestral tablets of 19 emperors and 30 queens and empresses.

During a safety inspection in 2014, it was found that some structural elements of Jeongjeon Hall had sagged or been damaged, and there were water leaks in various places. After precise measurements and design, restoration work began in 2020. According to the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, termite damage was recently discovered during the restoration process, especially near the rear and the west wing corridor of the building. Currently, final construction work is underway.

Ianje Onsite Photo [Photo by National Heritage Administration]

The National Heritage Administration will reenact the Hwananje, which is being performed for the first time in 155 years, based on the records of the "Jongmyo Yeongnyeongjeon Jeungsudogam Uigwe," a royal protocol compiled during the reign of King Heonjong. After holding a ritual at the former Seonwonjeon Hall of Changdeokgung Palace, the ancestral tablets will be transported to Jongmyo Shrine via Gwanghwamun, Sejong-daero Intersection, and Jonggak Station. A procession of 200 citizens, including 150 Koreans and 50 foreigners, will accompany the move. Upon arrival at Jongmyo Shrine, a ritual will be held to report the safe return of the ancestral tablets, followed by a ceremony to mark the completion of the restoration.

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