King Danjong’s last residence named historic relic

"When a cuckoo bird cries at moonlight night, I lean my head on a pillar of the pavilion amid anxiety, and I feel painful because it’s crying is so sadly…"

These lines are from "Jagyusa," the poem that King Danjong (1441-1457), the sixth king of the Joseon Dynasty, recited before his death. He metaphorically compared his own situation with sorrowful crying of a cuckoo bird. The pavilion within Yeongwolbu Gwana, where King Danjong recited Jagyusa, was called Jagyuru. The 17-year-old king expressed his deep sorrows by frequently visiting Jagyuru, before taking poison in 1457.

The Cultural Heritage Administration designated Yeongwolbu Gwana as state-registered Historic Relic No. 534 on Tuesday. It was the administrative office that governed the Yeongwol-bu district during the Joseon Dynasty, and the place where King Danjong lived his final days before death. Yeongwolbu Gwana includes Gaeksa, or dormitory for government officials, and Jagyuru pavilion that remains today.

Originally built in 1396 (fifth year of King Taejo’s rule) and repaired in 1791 (15th year of King Jeongjo’s rule), Gaeksa consists of Seoikheon (west wing), central building, and Dongikheon (east wing). King Danjong reportedly stayed in Gwanpungheon.

King Danjong was sent to exile to Cheongryeongpo in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province in June 1457, but was moved to Yeongwolbu Gwana due to flooding.

"Yeongwolbu Gwana has been registered as a national historic relic, given that it maintains its shape since its repair, and is the place where King Danjong spent a tragic life during his final days," the Cultural Heritage Administration said.

김상운 기자sukim@donga.com