"Saengjeonye Susae" Ceremony, Performing Virtuous Deeds in Life, to Be Designated as National Intangible Heritage

Lee Byungwoo to Be Recognized as Honorary Holder
for His Contributions to the Transmission of Yeongsanjae Ceremony

The Saengjeonye Susae Ceremony, a Buddhist ritual representing the Cheondo (salvation) ceremony, is on the verge of being designated as a National Intangible Heritage.

Scene of the Jeokjeon Ritual during the Saengjeonye Susae at Bongeunsa Temple

The National Heritage Administration announced on the 13th that it will designate the "Bongeunsa Saengjeonye Susae Ceremony" as a new category of National Intangible Heritage and recognize the Saengjeonye Susae Preservation Society as the official holder. Over the next month, opinions from various sectors will be reviewed, and the final designation will be decided after deliberation by the Intangible Heritage Committee.

The Saengjeonye Susae Ceremony is a Buddhist rite that means "performing virtuous deeds in advance (while alive) for the afterlife." It is a ceremony in which merit is accumulated to ensure the deceased's rebirth in paradise. Alongside the Yeongsanjae and Suryukjae ceremonies, which have already been designated as National Intangible Heritage, it is considered one of the representative Buddhist Cheondo rituals.

The Bongeunsa Saengjeonye Susae Ceremony, which has now been announced for designation, is an intangible heritage recognized for both its academic value and representativeness. Its historical significance is evident, as it was mentioned in Hong Seokmo's "Dongguk Sesigi" as a representative custom during the leap month in the mid-19th century. The Saengjeonye Susae Preservation Society was established in June 2017 to inherit and develop this tradition. In the recent evaluation, the foundation, skills, and commitment necessary for transmission were deemed outstanding.

Lee Byungwoo, Announced as Honorary Holder of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Yeongsanjae Ceremony

Meanwhile, on the same day, the National Heritage Administration also announced that it will recognize Lee Byungwoo, a transmission instructor of the National Intangible Heritage Yeongsanjae Ceremony, as an honorary holder. Since 2005, he has dedicated himself to nurturing future generations and promoting intangible heritage as a transmission instructor, but it was determined that he is currently facing difficulties in his activities due to health reasons. In recognition of his contributions, he will be elevated to the status of honorary holder.