Monk Jaseung Posthumously Awarded the Mugunghwa Medal of the Order of Civil Merit... "Significant Contribution to the Buddhist Community"

Recognition of Contributions to Buddhist Stability and Traditional Culture Development

The government posthumously awarded the Mugunghwa Medal of the Order of Civil Merit to Venerable Jaseung, the former Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, who passed away on the 29th of last month.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon is seen on the 2nd at the incense altar for the late Jogye Order Chief Executive Monk Ja Seung, set up in the Daeungjeon Hall of Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, after posthumously awarding the Order of Civil Merit, Mugunghwa Medal. He is joining hands in prayer with Jogye Order Chief Executive Monk Jin Woo. / Photo by Yonhap News

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that Minister Yoo In-chon visited the memorial altar for Venerable Jaseung set up at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 2nd and posthumously awarded him the Mugunghwa Medal of the Order of Civil Merit.

The Mugunghwa Medal of the Order of Civil Merit is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the welfare of the people and the development of the nation through achievements in politics, economy, society, education, or academia. It corresponds to the highest grade (1st class) among the five grades of the Order of Civil Merit.

The government recognized Venerable Jaseung’s contributions to the stabilization of Korean Buddhism, the development of traditional culture, interreligious harmony, and social integration. Previous monks who have been posthumously awarded the Mugunghwa Medal include Venerable Wolju, Venerable Beopjang, Venerable Jeongdae, and Venerable Cheongdam.

Minister Yoo said, "Upon hearing the news of his passing, I visited to pay respects on the same day and immediately discussed and quickly decided on the award," adding, "I consider it fortunate that the award could be conferred before the funeral service." He also added, "Venerable Jaseung had already played a significant role as a senior monk in the Buddhist community, so I thought it was only natural to honor him this way."

Venerable Jaseung, who served as the 33rd and 34th Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, passed away in a fire that broke out at the monks’ quarters within Chiljangsa Temple on the 29th of last month. The funeral service will be held on the 3rd, and the cremation ceremony will take place at Yeonhwadae of Yongjusa Temple, Venerable Jaseung’s affiliated head temple.