Changdeokgung Rice Harvesting Simplified Due to COVID-19

Traditional Culture Event Reflecting on the Meaning of Chingyeongrye and Chinye Rye
Only Officials from Cultural Heritage Administration and Rural Development Administration Attended

The Changdeokgung Management Office and the National Institute of Crop Science Central Crop Division announced on the 7th that they will hold a rice harvesting experience at 11 a.m. on the 12th at Cheonguijeong Pavilion by Okryucheon Stream in Changdeokgung Palace.

This is a traditional cultural event held annually with residents of Jongno-gu and general and foreign visitors participating. Various enjoyable activities such as rice cake pounding, egg packaging, pungmulnori (traditional Korean folk music and dance), and food tasting are also prepared. This year, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), visitor participation will be limited. Only officials from the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Rural Development Administration will attend, and the event will be held in a simplified manner.

The rice harvesting at Cheonguijeong was an event conducted by Joseon kings to pray for a bountiful harvest. It reflected the meaning of Chingyeongrye (親耕禮, the king personally cultivating the royal fields) and Chin-yerye (親刈禮, the king personally harvesting rice), which involved creating farmland within the palace and practicing agriculture. It embodies the king’s benevolent heart, who wished to appreciate the hard work of the people and their sincere farming spirit.