Memorial Shrine for King Gongmin

The portrait displayed in this small shrine hall depicts King Gongmin, one of the last rulers of the Goryeo Dynasty, alongside his queen consort, Princess Noguk. Historical records reveal that the king made earnest, though partially successful, efforts to shield his kingdom from the interventions of the Mongol-founded Yuan Dynasty in China. However, the kingdom fell in the final decade of the 14th century, conquered by one of its influential military leaders who later established the Joseon Dynasty. The presence of the Goryeo royal couple's portrait in the state institution of the Joseon Dynasty raises questions. The circumstances surrounding the establishment of King Gongmin's memorial shrine within the Joseon royal ancestral shrine remain shrouded in mystery, with various versions attempting to explain its origin. One of the most widespread and somewhat fantastic accounts tells of a violent whirlwind striking a building site where construction was underway for the Joseon dynasty's royal shrine. Suddenly, a portrait appeared, blown by the wind from somewhere in the air. The portrait was quickly moved to the palace, prompting an emergency cabinet meeting regarding its identity and significance. The king of the new dynasty discovered that the portrait was that of King Gongmin of Goryeo, the ruler he had deposed. His cabinet members believed that there might be some divine intention behind what had transpired at the site, destined to become the most sacred place in their new country. The Joseon king, concurring with his cabinet's sentiments, decided to construct a memorial hall for the Goryeo ruler within the sanctuary of his ancestral shrine, paying homage to the significant reform efforts and achievements made during his reign.