Yangyang Donghaesinmyoji

Yangyang Donghaesinmyoji is a site where national-level ancestral rites were held to pray to the Dragon King of the East Sea for national peace and abundant harvests and fishing. The exact founding date is unknown, but it was established during the Goryeo Dynasty and was organized as a middle-rank national sacrificial site (one of the three ranks of national rites: great, middle, and small) in the early Joseon Dynasty. Due to the lack of arable land in the east coast region, fishing activities in the treacherous sea had been conducted since the Silla Dynasty, so rituals were held to honor the Dragon King. At the village level, there were also haesindang, village shrines that existed only in seaside villages. In coastal villages along the east coast, such as Goseong, Yangyang, Gangneung, Donghae, Uljin, and Samcheok, many villages had seonangdang, which governed the entire village, along with haesindang to pray for safety and abundant catches. Donghaesinmyo, too, was designated as a shrine where the folk belief traditions of coastal areas continued, and rituals were held every spring and autumn. However, in the 2nd year of King Sunjong (1908), due to Japan's cultural eradication policy, the stele was cut down and the building was demolished, but restoration work was promoted by Yangyang County starting in 1993. Every year, along with the opening ceremony of the beach, the 'Yangyang Donghaesinmyo Summer Beach Yongwangje' (Dragon King Festival) is held here. In addition, at Naksan Beach, Seorak Beach, and other locations, Yongwangje rituals are held when the beaches open for the season, with events praying for safety.