'Saengjeonye Susae', a Ritual to Cultivate Virtue in Life, Designated as National Intangible Heritage

Recognized for Academic, Representative, and Historical Value
Lee Byungwoo, Yeongsanjae Transmission Educator, Named Honorary Holder

The Saengjeonye Susae, a Buddhist ritual representing a ceremony for guiding souls to the afterlife, will now be managed as a National Intangible Heritage.

Scene of the Taekjeon Ritual at the National Intangible Heritage 'Bongeunsa Saengjeonye Susae' Ceremony
[Photo by National Heritage Administration]

On July 15, the National Heritage Administration announced that it has designated the 'Bongeunsa Saengjeonye Susae' as a new item of National Intangible Heritage and has recognized the Saengjeonye Susae Preservation Association as its official holder organization.

'Saengjeonye Susae' is a Buddhist ritual that means 'a ceremony to cultivate virtue in advance while still alive.' The living accumulate merit while praying for rebirth in paradise after death. Along with Yeongsanjae (designated as National Intangible Heritage in 1973) and Suryukjae (designated in 2013), which are already recognized as National Intangible Heritage, it is considered one of the representative Buddhist rituals for guiding souls to the afterlife.

The Bongeunsa Saengjeonye Susae was evaluated by the Intangible Heritage Committee as possessing both academic and representative value. It was also acknowledged for its historical significance, as it was mentioned as a representative custom of the intercalary month in the mid-19th century in the Dongguk Sesigi, a record of seasonal customs written by Hong Seokmo in 1849.

The Saengjeonye Susae Preservation Association, recognized as the official holder organization, was established in June 2017. The association was highly regarded for its outstanding capabilities in leading the ritual, its foundation and skills necessary for the transmission of Saengjeonye Susae, and its strong commitment to preserving the tradition.

Master Lee Byungwoo, Honorary Holder of the National Intangible Heritage 'Yeongsanjae'
Photo by National Heritage Administration

Meanwhile, on the same day, the National Heritage Administration recognized Lee Byungwoo, a transmission educator for Yeongsanjae, as an honorary holder. Lee has been active as a transmission educator for National Intangible Heritage since 2005, but due to recent health issues, he has faced difficulties in continuing his activities. In recognition of his contributions, he has been granted honorary status. Yeongsanjae is a Buddhist ritual performed to guide souls to the afterlife, and it holds symbolic meaning as a reenactment of the Yeongsan Assembly, the sermon delivered by Sakyamuni Buddha at Vulture Peak.

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