Jaegung

Jaegung served as a temporary lodge for the king and the crown prince during their stay at the shrine for the ancestral memorial rite. The shrine palace consists of three buildings: the King's Lodge at the center, the Crown Prince's Lodge on the right, and the Royal Bathroom on the left, where the two royals cleansed their bodies as part of the preparation for the rite. The actual process of the rite involved the Joseon king and his heir initiating their preparations for the ancestral memorial rite at the Jongmyo Shrine at least seven days before the scheduled day. They were required to purify their minds and bodies, refraining from forbidden words and deeds. For instance, they were prohibited from making condolatory visits, sending messages of condolence, visiting the sick, enjoying music, or issuing punishment orders. Three days before the rite, they focused entirely on their preparations. On the day preceding the rite, the king and the crown prince arrived at the shrine to start the final phase of preparations. This included deep reflections on the significant accomplishments of their ancestors and purifying themselves to meet the spirits of their ancestors in a devout and pure state. During the rite, the two royals staying at the shrine palace donned sacrificial garments as depicted by the mannequins exhibited here. They were then escorted to the venues of the rite in the Main Shrine Hall and the Hall of Everlasting Peace. Interestingly, these garments were the same as those worn for official celebratory occasions. While the memorial rite was held in honor of the deceased and maintained a solemn, even somber, atmosphere at all times, the Joseon rulers regarded it as an auspicious and hopeful event, praying for the dynasty's safety, prosperity, and the peaceful rest of the deceased royal ancestors.