A Study on the Reconstruction of Mandongmyo in 1874
Mandongmyo(萬東廟) was a shrine built for two emperors of the Ming Dynasty in Huoyangri, Cheongju. Since the 17th century, the classical scholars of the Joseon Dynasty had valued Mandongmyo Shrine as a place for the so-called Jonjudaeui(尊周大義). In 1865, however, the shrine was demolished and ruined, afterward rebuilt by King Gojong(高宗) in 1874. King Gojong played an important role in the construction plan for the new shrine, which he adjusted the layout of the building and named it. Unlike in the past, the reconstructed shrine was thoroughly led by the government, and its architectural character was greatly transformed. The reconstructed Mandongmyo was respected as the national shrine, but subjected to oppression by the Japanese imperialism. The 68 years after it was rebuilt, the shrine was destroyed on the charge of inciting the sense of national consciousness.