Unveiling Ceremony of Bronze Plaque Commemorates Designation of Jeungsan Kang Ilsun Seongsa’s Birthplace as Jeollabuk-do Religious and Cultural Heritage

Commemorating the Designation of Jeungsan Kang Ilsun Seongsa’s Birthplace as a Religious and Cultural Heritage Site
Honoring His Life, Philosophy, and the Enduring Value of Regional Spiritual Culture

The Daejin University Institute of Humanities announced on August 18 that it will hold a bronze plaque unveiling ceremony at 10 a.m. on August 21 at the birthplace of Jeungsan Kang Ilsun Seongsa (64 Sinsong-gil, Deokcheon-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do) to commemorate its designation as a 'Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province Religious and Cultural Heritage.'

Gang Seji. Courtesy of Daejin University

This event has been organized to publicly commemorate the official designation of Kang Ilsun Seongsa’s birthplace as a religious and cultural heritage site of Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province. The ceremony aims to honor his life, philosophy, and the historical and cultural significance of his birthplace, while also emphasizing the importance of regional spiritual culture and cultural heritage for future generations.

Jeungsan Kang Ilsun Seongsa (1871-1909) is recognized as a global thinker who, during the turbulent final years of the Joseon Dynasty, advocated a practical philosophy of mutual benefit centered on 'Haewon' (resolution of grievances) and 'Boeun' (repayment of gratitude). He is also regarded as a pioneer of Korea’s indigenous religious movements. His birthplace stands as a historical site where the lives of ordinary people, the hardships of the era, conflict, and healing intersected. It also holds significant symbolic meaning as the starting point of the philosophy of mutual benefit, which seeks harmony and peace for humanity and the world.

The unveiling ceremony is expected to be attended by approximately 200 people, including officials from Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province and Jeongeup-si, as well as figures from religious, academic, and cultural circles, and local residents. The main program will include: ▲Introduction of guests and congratulatory messages ▲Unveiling of the religious and cultural heritage bronze plaque ▲Remarks and progress report ▲Commemorative address ▲Congratulatory speeches, among others.

This unveiling ceremony goes beyond simply marking a historic site; it is expected to serve as a new starting point for recognizing the contemporary value and social significance of religious and cultural heritage in the Jeollabuk-do region, as well as symbolizing the diversity and inclusivity of Korean religious culture.

Furthermore, through the designation and unveiling ceremony, there is growing anticipation that the birthplace of Jeungsan Seongsa will be restored as an open cultural heritage site embodying the philosophy of mutual benefit, and will be reborn as a sacred place of renewal and hope that reaches beyond the region to the world.

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