Chungnyeolsa (Dongnae)

Chungnyeolsa (Dongnae) is a shrine in Busan dedicated to the Korean soldiers who died during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598)^[1]. It currently sits on a 93,448 square meter (23 acre) site with a main hall and 16 additional structures. It has memorial tablets for approximately 92 Korean soldiers who lost their lives in the Busan area. Every year on May 25 there is a memorial ceremony.

The shrine, then Songgongsa, was first built in 1605 (the 38th year of the reign under King Sunjo), within the South Gate of Dongnae-eub Fortress by Yoon Hwon, the then Deputy Delegate of Dongnae, enshrining Song Sang-hyeon with an annual rite to the spirit. In 1624 (the 2nd year of the reign under King Injo), the temple's name was changed to Chungnyeolsa and the spirit of Jeong Bal, who died at Busanjin Fortess, was also enshrined.

A year later, in 1625, Chungnyeolsa was moved to its current location, and named Allak Seowon with the construction of an auditorium and several dormitories.

In 1709 (the 35th year of the reign under King Sukjong), an auxiliary shrine was built at the original location of the shrine, dedicated to soldiers who died with Song and Jeong: Cho Young-kyu (the Country Governor of Yangsan-gun), Noh Gae-bang (the Dongnae Kyosoo), Moon Duk-gyeom (a Confucian scholar), Yang Jo-han, Song Bong-su (the Bijang), Kim Hee-soo (the Military Commander), Shin Yeo-roh (a steward), Song Back (the Hyangni) and Kim Sang (a common man). In 1736 (the 12th year of the reign under King Yeongjo), the ones enshrined at the separate buildings were all enshrined together at Chungnyeolsa In 1772 (the 48th year of the reign under King Yeongjo), Yoon Heung-shin, the Dadaecheomsa, was also enshrined there, while a sanctuary was built outside the East Gate of Chungnyeolsa in memory of Keumsum and Aehyang, each of whom died after Song and Jeong.

Over time, the shrine has undergone remodeling and restoration on several occasions.

References

1. ^ Busan's official website, Pride of Busan subsection. [1]. Retrieved 4 June 2007.

External links

• Chungnyeolsa official website (English)