Feb 23 • 06:37 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

The Portrait of Yi Seong-gye will be enshrined in Uijeongbu... Ceremony for the Enshrinement of the Founder of Joseon on the 26th

A portrait of Yi Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon dynasty, will be enshrined in Uijeongbu during a ceremonial event on the 26th.

The city of Uijeongbu will host a significant ceremonial event on the 26th, commemorating the portrait of Yi Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon dynasty. This event is particularly meaningful as it honors a historical figure that is integral to the city's identity. The ceremony, coordinated by the Uijeongbu Cultural Foundation and with collaboration from the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism's Hoi-Ryong Temple, will feature history and culture forums as well as religious rites, emphasizing the importance of recognizing local historical ties.

The initiative to enshrine the portrait is part of a broader effort to establish a visible symbol of local historical identity. A study conducted in 2023 underscored the necessity of incorporating local historical elements, such as the interactions between Yi Seong-gye and Taejong, into community initiatives. This culminated in the production of the new portrait, which draws from historical references and aims to enhance the cultural landscape of Uijeongbu by highlighting its royal heritage.

The newly crafted portrait reflects Yi Seong-gye in his late 50s and conforms to the standards of traditional Joseon dynasty portraits. This creation project was undertaken by renowned artist Kwon Oh-chang, who has previously worked on various royal portraiture projects. Historically significant portraits of the founder have been displayed at multiple locations; the original from 1410 was later recreated in 1872 and remains enshrined at Jeonju Gyeonggijeon, underscoring the enduring legacy of Yi Seong-gye as a prominent figure in Korea's royal history and collective memory.

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