Taejo Yi Seong-gye, Founder of Joseon and Builder of Jongmyo and Sajik | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

In the Joseon Dynasty, abandoning 'Jongmyo and Sajik' symbolized letting the country fall into ruin. Jongmyo is the shrine housing the spirit tablets of past kings and queens, and Sajik is the altar dedicated to the gods of land and grain praying for a bountiful harvest. Jongmyo and Sajik represent the foundation that supports the nation and are the most sacred spaces for wishing the country's peace and prosperity. Taejo Yi Seong-gye chose Hanyang as the new capital and built Jongmyo before Gyeongbokgung. Jongmyo was constructed to the left of Gyeongbokgung and Sajik to the right, so visiting these sites reflects on the beginning of the Joseon dynasty.