Jeonju Hanok Village Traditional Performance Parade

Gyeonggijeon is a building constructed in the 10th year of King Taejong (1410) to enshrine the portrait of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, and to hold ancestral rites. The places where Taejo's portraits were kept in Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Pyeongyang were initially called 'Eoyongjeon.' In the 12th year of King Taejong (1412), they were referred to as 'Taejo Jinjeon,' and in the 24th year of King Sejong (1442), Jeonju's was called Gyeonggijeon, Gyeongju's was Jipgyeongjeon, and Pyeongyang's was Yeongsungjeon. Gyeonggijeon was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the 30th year of King Seonjo (1597) but was rebuilt in the 6th year of King Gwanghaegun (1614). Gyeonggijeon consists of a 'Hamabi' (a stone marker indicating that everyone must dismount from their horse as a sign of sanctity), a red-painted 'Hongsalmun' (a red gate), 'Oesinmun' (outer gate), 'Naesinmun' (inner gate), and the main hall 'Jeongjeon' where the portrait is enshrined. Considering it is a royal shrine, these gates are called 'Sinmun' (spirit gates). When passing through the three gates inside the Hongsalmun—the outer and inner gates—one must enter from the east (right) and exit from the west (left). This is because the center is the 'Sindo' (spirit path) used by King Taejo's spirit. Gyeonggijeon holds great significance as it housed the portrait of King Taejo Yi Seong-gye of Joseon and also housed the 'Jeonju Sago' (historical archive). The archive was established at Gyeonggijeon in 1439 (the 21st year of King Sejong). Within the grounds are Gyeonggijeon (a tangible cultural heritage) enshrining King Taejo's portrait, and 'Jogyeongmyo' (a tangible cultural heritage) enshrining the spirit tablets of his 22nd-generation ancestor and founder of the Jeonju Yi clan, Silla's Sagonggong Yi Han, and his wife. Notably, there is also the 'Portrait Museum' housing the existing Joseon Dynasty royal portraits, including King Taejo's portrait (a national treasure). One reason Gyeonggijeon has long been loved by tourists and citizens is its elegant appearance amidst the city center and its lush trees. Gyeonggijeon has various species of trees.

(Source: Jeonju City Culture and Tourism Website)