Summer of Jongmyo
2015 2016 2017 2021
Jongmyo Shrine is concise. It was not splendidly ornated because it was a place for rituals, and the number of buildings is very small compared to the royal palace. On a considerable land of about 185,000㎡, only the buildings with clear reasons and uses were built, and the rest of the space was filled with forests and trees. Minimizing the unnecessary and focusing on the essence of life—Jongmyo Shrine resembles the minimalism lifestyle that has been popular for several years. Perhaps our ancestors realized the value of such simplicity early and lived a life based on it, so buildings like Jongmyo Shrine could be born.
Looking at the fence effortlessly blending with surroundings, I think how great it would be if our daily lives could flow naturally as such. When worries and doubts haunt my mind like tangled threads, I visit Jongmyo Shrine and listen to the sound of the forest whooshing. Then I pledge not to be fretful so that I can untangle small things one by one.
002. Green maple leaves near Hyangdaecheong Hall | 2017
009. Summer scenery around Akgongcheong Pavilion of Jeongjeon Hall | 2017
014. The southern gate of Yeongnyeongjeon Hall and surrounding forest | 2017
015. Yeongnyeongjeon Hall viewed over the southern wall | 2017
017. Lace shrub flowers outside of the eastern gate of Yeongnyeongjeon Hall | 2021