Record of architectural information written in Mook at Jongdori
Hidden Dancheong also discovered on the interior ceiling
A record of a ridge beam inscription dated 1602 was discovered at the Daeseongjeon Hall of 'Seoul Munmyo and Sungkyunkwan.' The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 25th that it was found beneath the main ridge beam while repairing the roof.
The lower part of the central column beam where the Sangryang handwritten inscription was discovered
The ridge beam inscription is a record written in ink on the ridge beam containing construction-related information. The term "sangryang" (ridge beam) refers to the beam on which the rafters (thin, long wooden pieces that form the roof panels and eaves) rest beneath the ridge. The main ridge beam is a horizontal beam placed beneath the rafters. It is located at the topmost part of the wooden structure.
This is the first time a ridge beam inscription has been confirmed on the roof of Daeseongjeon Hall, which is currently undergoing repairs. It was not found during previous repair works in 1869, 1971, 1991, or 2001. However, traces of Joseon Dynasty architecture have been discovered multiple times. In April of this year, during roof dismantling, a 18-meter-long single wooden member called a "peonggodae" (a thin, long curved member connecting eaves) was excavated.
The ridge beam inscription records that the beam was raised on October 26, 1602, along with the names of the carpenters: "In the 29th year of Wanli, 10th month, 26th day (二十九年十月二十六日 · October 26, 1602), chief carpenters for raising the beam: Kim Sun-eok (金順億), Kim Mongsong (金夢松), Kang Hyang (姜香)."
According to the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, Daeseongjeon Hall was rebuilt in 1407 but was completely destroyed during the Japanese invasions of 1592. It is recorded that reconstruction was completed in July 1602. A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "There is a discrepancy of several months between the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and the ridge beam inscription. The carpenters' names do not appear in other records," adding, "Further investigation is necessary."
During the roof dismantling process, previously unknown dancheong (traditional Korean decorative coloring on wooden buildings) was also discovered on the interior ceiling. According to the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, bats inhabited Daeseongjeon Hall in 1704. Because they continuously soiled the interior, a ceiling panel (the flat upper surface of each room beneath the roof or upper floor) was installed. A Cultural Heritage Administration official estimated, "It is presumed to have been constructed before the reign of King Sukjong (1674?1720)," and predicted, "This will greatly aid research on traditional dancheong pigments and patterns."
Choi Eung-cheon, head of the National Heritage Administration, visited the roof repair site of the Daeseongjeon Hall at 'Seoul Munmyo and Sungkyunkwan' on the 24th and checked the Sangryangmukseo inscription found under the ridge beam.
The Cultural Heritage Administration opens the repair site to the public every Thursday. With prior reservation, visitors can hear interesting explanations and see the site firsthand. The restoration work is scheduled to be completed by February 2025.
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