King Sejong the Great (세종대왕, 世宗大王) (1397-1450) is one of the most respected monarchs of Korean history due to his great achievements across many fields, from national defense and science, through to the arts, and, of course, his overseeing of the creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. Even more than 600 years later, he is still respected as one of the best monarchs and is considered as the "master of the Korean people."

To commemorate his birthday and to honor his achievements, a commemoration ceremony was held on May 15 -- which is both his birthday and national Teacher's Day -- at Yeongneung, King Sejong's royal tomb, in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do Province.



The ceremony began with an incense burning and a drinks offering by the choheonguan, the person who offers the first drink during rituals. It was followed by a ritual speech. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Jongdeok attended the rite, and lit a stick of incense and offered a drink in the name of President Park Geun-hye who was not able to attend.

After the ritual, a court song, "Yeomillak," and a court dance, the Bongnaeeui, were performed. Both art pieces were created by King Sejong the Great himself to celebrate the achievements of the first monarch of the Joseon kingdom, King Taejo (태조, 太祖) (1335-1408).

A series of other events took place as well during the ceremony. There was a reenactment of a Joseon public official's exam and a striking of the sinmungo drum that was a channel for the common people to report unfair affairs to the monarch. A Bongsan mask dance was also performed during the ceremony and an exhibit displayed stones found at Joseon royal tombs, offering visitors a chance to enjoy various aspects of Joseon history and culture.

By Chang Iou-chung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Jeon So-hyang, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
icchang@korea.kr