[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jo Hangyu] A meaningful Chuhyangje ritual was held on the 26th at Jangseong Bongam Seowon, which enshrines Mangam Byeon Ijung, who made Hwacha during the Imjin War. For the first time since the establishment of the Seowon, women took the roles of Chohun, Ahun, and Jonghun officials, drawing attention.
Hun-gwan are temporary ritual officers appointed during the ceremony. They are classified as Chohun-gwan, Ahun-gwan, and Jonghun-gwan according to the order of offering the cup of liquor.
At this Chuhyangje, Jung Chunja, president of the Women's Confucian Association Jangseong branch, Kang Sukyoung, principal of Munhyang High School, and Kim Hyunju, principal of Seosam Elementary School, served as Chohun-gwan, Ahun-gwan, and Jonghun-gwan, respectively.
This broke the customs barrier after more than 320 years since Bongam Seowon was established in 1697.
This is not the first time a woman has served as a Hun-gwan. A well-known case was last October at Dosan Seowon in Andong, Gyeongbuk, where Lee Baeyong, chairman of the Korea Seowon Integrated Preservation and Management Group, served as Chohun-gwan at the Autumn Memorial Ceremony.
However, it is rare to find a case where all three Hun-gwan were women.
Yoo Duseok, Jangseong County Governor, said, “Gender equality is a demand of the times and a goal we all must pursue together,” adding, “We expect this Bongam Seowon Chuhyangje to be an important opportunity to form a new Seowon culture.”
Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jo Hangyu chg6001@asiae.co.kr
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