Gumi Holds Autumn Seokjeon Daeje at Seonsan and Indong Hyanggyo

Seokjeon Daeje, National Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 85, Held

On September 25, Seonsan Hyanggyo (headed by Kim Jingyo) and Indong Hyanggyo (headed by Jang Byeongyul) in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, held the Autumn Seokjeon Daeje, a grand Confucian memorial rite, with the attendance of about 100 local Confucian scholars. The ceremony was held to honor Confucius and 25 other sages, commemorating their virtues.

At Seonsan Hyanggyo, Education Director Min Byungdo served as the chief ritual officer, Eom Gideuk, the mayor of Goa-eup, participated as the assistant ritual officer, and Kim Seungjo, the chief mourner, took part as the ritual officer in the ceremony. Photo by Kim Ihwan

Seokjeon Daeje is a ritual offered to Confucius and other ancient sages according to Confucian tradition. It was designated as National Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 85 in 1986.

At Seonsan Hyanggyo, Education Director Min Byungdo served as the chief ritual officer, Eom Gideuk, the mayor of Goa-eup, participated as the assistant ritual officer, and Kim Seungjo, the chief mourner, took part as the ritual officer, performing the ancestral rites.

At Indong Hyanggyo, head Jang Byeongyul served as the chief officiant, Kang Samgu as the assistant officiant, and Song Pilsik as the concluding officiant, conducting the ceremony.

The rituals of Seokjeon Daeje are conducted according to the Holgi (ritual protocol), based on the standards of the National Five Rites of the Joseon Dynasty.

The ceremony proceeded in the following order: the chief officiant began with Jeonpye-rye (the incense offering and presentation of silk), followed by Chohon-rye (first offering ritual), Ahon-rye (second offering ritual), Jonghon-rye (final offering ritual), Eumbok Sujo-rye (blessing and sharing of the ritual food), Cheolbyeondu (removal of ritual beans), and Mangnyo-rye (gazing at the ritual fire).

Kim Jangho, mayor of Gumi, stated, "The hyanggyo plays an important role in inheriting and developing the region's cultural heritage and historical value. I hope that this Seokjeon Daeje will promote the value of traditional culture and lead to the continued prosperity of the hyanggyo."

At Indong Hyanggyo, Jeon Kyo Jang Byungyul served as the chief officiant, Kang Samgu as the assistant officiant, and Song Pilsik as the concluding officiant, performing the ritual ceremony. Photo by Kim Ihwan