Spring Ritual Site

[Anchor Lead]

Queens of the Joseon Dynasty hosted rituals every spring, praying for a good harvest of silkworms. The site for the ritual, called Seonjamdan, has been excavated for the first time. Let's find out more.

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A queen appears to a cheerful tune performed by a royal marching band. She prays to the heavens for the good silkworm harvest, presenting a ritual offering prepared in advance. This is Seonjamje, the only ritual that was hosted by the queen among state-administered rites during the Joseon Dynasty. The site for the Seonjamje ritual, which was held 600 years ago, has been revealed. Huge stones are arranged in long lines south to north on both sides of the altar on a hill. Cornerstones near the bottom of the wall around the altar remain in their original forms.

[Soundbite] Kim Min-seok(Seoul Institute of Cultural Heritage) : "It is meaningful that the original shape, size and construction method of Seonjamdan have been identified, which provide basic information for the restoration and maintenance of the site in the future."

The site is far larger than expected. About half of the venue has been excavated this time. It leads to a nearby road if the other half is restored. A stone sign was the only relic that points to the existence of Seonjamdan. But the excavation will shed light on the historical meanings of Seonjamje, which was halted during Japan's colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula.

[Soundbite] Prof. Park Jon-beom(Sangmyung University) : "During the Joseon Dynasty, the importance of silkworm farming and silk production came right after solidifying the nation's legitimacy. It suggests that women played a role as a mainstay in society."

The excavation will begin in earnest starting next year after documentation procedures including 3D scanning.