Restoration Sites Open to the Public, Including Daeseongjeon Hall at Sungkyunkwan and Independence Gate

Jin Gamsunsa Stela at Ssanggyesa Temple in Hadong Also Included

The National Heritage Administration announced on May 21 that it will open twelve major national heritage restoration sites to the public by the end of the year. The agency plans to showcase the preservation and restoration process, accompanied by explanations of traditional restoration techniques.

Current Status of Roof Dismantling at Daeseongjeon Hall of Seoul Munmyo and Sungkyunkwan

The first national heritage site to be unveiled is the Daeseongjeon Hall of Seoul Munmyo and Sungkyunkwan, where roof repair work is currently underway. Seoul Munmyo and Sungkyunkwan served as a place for Confucian rituals honoring Confucius and other sages, as well as for Confucian education during the Joseon Dynasty. Daeseongjeon Hall was built between 1601 and 1602, during the reign of King Seonjo. The National Heritage Administration will open the restoration site to the public on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. until November.

The restoration and preservation process of the Jin Gamsunsa Stela at Ssanggyesa Temple in Hadong, which is designated as a National Treasure, will also be available for viewing. This stela was erected to honor Jin Gamsunsa (774-850), who is credited with introducing Buddhist chant known as Beompae during the late Unified Silla period. The site will be open to the public every Thursday from June 23 to July 31, with advance registration required.

The restoration and preservation process of the Seoul Independence Gate, a monument built after the Gabo Reform to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to independence, can be viewed every Thursday from September to November. In addition, the dismantling and repair of the roof at the Busan Provisional Capital Presidential Residence will be open to the public on the second Thursday of each month from June 5 to September 12.