"Honoring the Noble Spirit of Donating Their Entire Fortune" Dongji Igong Memorial Rite Held in Gokseong

A memorial rite honoring the noble spirit of sharing demonstrated by the Dongji Igong couple, who donated their entire fortune earned as salt merchants during the Japanese occupation, was held in Gokseong, Jeonnam.

On the 15th, Gokseong County in Jeonnam held the 'Dongji Igong Ceremony' at the Dongji Igong Memorial Altar in front of the Gokseong-eup Office. Provided by Gokseong County, Jeonnam

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Gokseong-eup, Gokseong-gun, Jeonnam announced on the 16th that it held the 'Dongji Igong Jesa' on the 15th at the Dongji Igong memorial altar in front of the Gokseong-eup Office, with local residents, county officials, and representatives from various organizations and social groups in attendance.

The Dongji Igong Jesa is an event established to honor the spirit of sharing and dedication shown by the Dongji Igong couple, who generously donated around 100 durak of farmland-representing their entire fortune amassed as salt merchants during the Japanese occupation-to Gokseong-myeon despite the hardships of the era. Since 1998, Gokseong-eup has designated April 15 as the official day of the memorial rite, faithfully continuing this tradition each year to ensure that the couple's noble intentions are never forgotten.

Dongji Igong refers to the husband, Igong, and his wife, Mrs. Yoon. 'Dongji' is an abbreviation for 'Dongji Jungchubusa,' a second-rank official position in the Joseon Dynasty’s Office of the Middle Secretariat. In the couple’s case, the title did not reflect an actual office held, but was a posthumous honorific bestowed by the people of Gokseong-myeon at the time, in recognition of their noble act of donating their entire fortune.

The memorial rite was conducted in a solemn and reverent atmosphere. Attendees expressed their gratitude while reflecting on the spirit of sacrifice exhibited by the Dongji Igong couple, which laid the foundation for the region’s development and community unity.

A Gokseong-eup official stated, "The noble act of sharing by the Dongji Igong couple continues to resonate deeply and serve as a lesson for our community today. We will continue to cherish their spirit and do our utmost to build a warm community where all residents help and harmonize with one another."

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