Site Of Seonwonjeon

“Lost portraits,” the old palace caretaker whispered, his voice raspy with age. “That’s the tragedy of Seonwonjeon.” We stood before the Site Of Seonwonjeon at Changdeokgung Palace. It was a simple structure, almost unassuming. Yet, it held the echoes of Joseon royalty. Seonwonjeon was where the portraits of deceased kings were once enshrined, a place of reverence and remembrance. Each king’s portrait occupied its own niche. On their birthdays, memorial rites filled the air with incense and chanting. Imagine the scene: flickering candlelight illuminating the painted faces of past rulers. The air thick with the scent of burning herbs. Originally, Seonwonjeon wasn’t even here. It was moved from Gyeongdeokgung Palace in 1656, originally called Chunhwijeon. It was later renamed Seonwonjeon in 1695. Kings Sukjong, Yeongjo, Jeongjo, Sunjo, Ikjong, and Heonjong all had their portraits enshrined within these walls. In 1921, a new Seonwonjeon was built. The portraits were moved. Sadly, they were destroyed in the Korean War, leaving the Site Of Seonwonjeon to hold only the memories. This former Seonwonjeon embodies the simple elegance of Joseon royal shrines. It serves as a reminder of a rich past, tragically lost to the flames of war.