Minchungsa Shrine

Minchungsa is a shrine located in Yeongwol-eup, Gangwon-do, that commemorates the tragic fate of King Danjong and the loyalty of his ladies-in-waiting. It was established to honor the fidelity of six ladies-in-waiting who threw themselves from Nakhwaam Cliff in mourning for King Danjong's death. King Danjong was deprived of the throne by King Sejo, demoted to Nosan-gun, and exiled to Yeongwol. When Grand Prince Geumseong's attempt to restore Danjong to the throne was discovered, Danjong met his end at the age of 17. The six ladies-in-waiting who served him threw themselves into the Geumgang River from Nakhwaam Cliff, and to console their spirits, King Yeongjo established a shrine in 1742 and bestowed the name 'Minchungsa.' Minchungsa is located behind Geumgangjeong Pavilion and consists of a shrine house, main hall, and auxiliary buildings. The shrine house enshrines portraits of King Danjong and the ladies-in-waiting, as well as a stele from Yungsinchangjeol Seowon. The main hall houses the spirit tablets and ritual vessels for King Danjong and the ladies-in-waiting. Ascending from Minchungsa, one reaches the cliffs of Nakhwaam, where a monument commemorating the loyalty of the ladies-in-waiting stands. From Geumgangjeong Pavilion in front of Minchungsa, visitors can enjoy views of the Donggang River, and nearby attractions include the Radio Star Museum and Yeongwol Hyanggyo.