Gyeonggijeon Shrine | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Gyeonggijeon Shrine was built in the 10th year of King Taejong's reign (1410) to enshrine the portrait (eojin) of Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty, and to hold memorial rites. Initially, the portraits enshrined in places like Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Pyongyang were called Eoyongjeon, but in the 12th year of King Taejong's reign (1412) it was renamed Taejo Jinjeon, and in the 24th year of King Sejong's reign (1442), each location was named individually: Jeonju's Gyeonggijeon, Gyeongju's Jipgyeongjeon, and Pyongyang's Yeongsungjeon. Gyeonggijeon was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of 1597 (the 30th year of King Seonjo's reign) but rebuilt in 1614 (the 6th year of King Gwanghaegun's reign). The shrine comprises a sacred stone marker requiring visitors to dismount from horses, a red-painted Hongsalmun gate, the outer and inner Shimmuns (spiritual gates), and the main hall housing the portrait. As a royal shrine, its gates are called Shimmuns. When passing through the gates inside the Hongsalmun, one must enter from the east (right) and exit from the west (left), called 'dong-ip seo-chul,' because the center is the 'Shindo,' an area for Taejo's spirit to enter and leave. Gyeonggijeon’s significance is heightened by the installation of the Jeonju Historical Archives (Sago) in 1439 (Sejong 21). Within the compound are Gyeonggijeon (a tangible cultural asset), which houses Taejo's portrait, and Jogyeongmyo (also a tangible cultural asset), enshrining the memorial tablets of Silla’s Sikonggong Lee Han and his wife, the 22nd generation ancestor of the Jeonju Lee clan. Particularly notable is the Eojin Museum on site, preserving the royal portraits (including Taejo's national treasure) of the Joseon dynasty. One reason Gyeonggijeon has long been beloved by tourists and locals is its old-world ambience and lush trees in the city center; it hosts a variety of tree species. (Source: Jeonju City Culture and Tourism website) ◎ Travel information to experience the charm of Korean Wave: Located in the city center, this Joseon-era traditional space features the main hall, stone walls, and bamboo groves that evoke a historical drama atmosphere. It’s within Jeonju Hanok Village, which offers rich food and entertainment options, making it convenient to visit alongside Jeondong Catholic Church. Many hanbok rental shops are nearby, so wearing hanbok while visiting is recommended.