After undergoing extensive repairs due to structural cracks and deterioration of its wooden components since 2020, Jeongjeon of Jongmyo Shrine, designated as a National Treasure, will reopen to the public for the first time in five years.

On April 20, the Korea Heritage Service announced that it will hold a commemorative ceremony marking the completion of the restoration work, along with a ritual called Hwananje to return the spirit tablets of Joseon Dynasty kings and queens from their temporary enshrinement at Changdeokgung Palace back to Jeongjeon, the main shrine.

Jeongjeon of Jongmyo Shrine was originally built in 1395 by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. It enshrined the spirit tablets of meritorious kings and queens, as well as the four preceding generations of each reigning monarch. For over 600 years, royal ancestral rites have been held there. Though it was designated a National Treasure in 1985, ongoing structural cracks, deteriorating roof tiles, and aging timber led to the commencement of restoration work in 2020.

As part of the restoration, the cement mortar that had covered the front courtyard was removed and replaced with handcrafted bricks. Factory-made roof tiles were swapped for traditional handmade ones. Timber dating back to the reign of King Gwanghaegun was also discovered during the process. The Korea Heritage Service explained, “By combining traditional construction techniques and materials with modern scientific methods, we have enhanced the historical, technical, and aesthetic value of Jeongjeon,” adding that “the project helped reaffirm the architectural significance of the shrine.”

With the reopening of Jeongjeon, the spirit tablets that had been temporarily housed in Changdeokgung Palace will be returned. A Hwananje, a traditional ritual to reinstall the tablets, will be held for the first time in 155 years at 2 p.m. on April 20, beginning at the Geumhomun Gate of Changdeokgung Palace and proceeding to Jongmyo Shrine.

This time, Hwananje will feature a ceremonial procession spanning approximately 3.5 kilometers, moving from Gwanghwamun Gate through Sejong-daero and Jongno to Jongmyo Shrine. The procession will include a total of 28 traditional palanquins sourced from across the country. Among them are the Shinyeon and Shinyeo, which carry the spirit tablets of the kings, and the Hyangyongjeong, used to transport incense burners and ritual containers for ancestral rites.

A total of 1,100 participants will join the procession, including 200 citizens.

After the procession arrives at Jongmyo Shrine, a ritual called Goyuje and a completion ceremony will be held at Jeongjeon starting at 6:30 p.m. Goyuje refers to a ritual offered to the spirits to report significant events in the country or households. The ceremony will be conducted by the Jeonju Lee Royal Family Association and will follow traditional protocols, with around 200 people participating. The completion ceremony will include a video presentation documenting the restoration process, as well as a special performance featuring around 60 dancers.