Han Seokhwa, Seosan City Council Member, Becomes the First Woman to Serve as Second Officiant
The "2025 Spring Ancestral Rite" honoring Choi Chiwon, a scholar and writer from the late Silla period, was held on the 10th at the Buseongsa Shrine located in Jigok-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungnam. Photo by Seosan-si
The "2025 Spring Memorial Rite" in honor of the late Silla scholar and literary figure Goun Choe Chiwon was held on the 10th at Buseongsa Shrine, located in Jigok-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungnam Province.
This event is a traditional Confucian ritual held annually to commemorate Choe Chiwon's academic achievements and virtuous character.
More than 70 people, including Confucian scholars, descendants, and local residents, attended the rite. Jang Uksun, head of Jigok-myeon, served as the chief officiant, Han Seokhwa, a member of the Seosan City Council, served as the second officiant, and Kim Gyoseong, head of the Jigok-myeon branch of the Korea Senior Citizens Association Seosan Chapter, served as the third officiant.
Notably, Han Seokhwa drew significant attention as the first woman to take on the role of the second officiant. During the ritual, she performed the important task of offering the second cup of wine.
Han Seokhwa's participation as the second officiant carries symbolic meaning, bridging tradition and modernity.
This not only marks a turning point for female leadership in traditionally male-dominated Confucian ceremonies, but is also regarded as a symbolic example of active social participation and leadership by women in the local community.
Han Seokhwa stated, "It is a great honor to participate in this meaningful event that commemorates the achievements and spirit of Choe Chiwon. I will continue to do my best to preserve our region's traditional culture and history, and to further enhance Seosan's historical value through ongoing research and verification."
Meanwhile, Seosan Buseongsa Shrine was established during the Joseon Dynasty to honor the historical legacy of Goun Choe Chiwon, the progenitor of the Gyeongju Choe clan, who served as the governor of Buseong County in the Seosan area.
Although it was demolished due to the order to abolish Confucian academies by Heungseon Daewongun, it was rebuilt in 1907 by the Gyeongju Choe clan.
Currently, Buseongsa Shrine is designated as Cultural Heritage Material No. 199 of Chungcheongnam-do, and spring and autumn memorial rites are held annually to honor Choe Chiwon's achievements and spirit.
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