A royal shrine from the Joseon Dynasty has come back to Korea after almost 100 years. The shrine is called Gwanwoldang, and it was taken to Japan during the colonial period.

This return happened as part of a cultural exchange between Korea and Japan. It celebrates 60 years of good diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The shrine was kept at Kotoku-in, a Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Japan. It was taken apart and sent back to Korea. This is the first time a whole Korean building from overseas has been returned.

Gwanwoldang is a one-story wooden building with a traditional Korean roof. Experts believe it was used for royal ceremonies during the late Joseon period. It was likely located near Seoul in the past.

In the 1920s, a Japanese businessman received the shrine as a gift. Later, it was moved to Kotoku-in temple and used as a prayer hall.

The chief monk of the temple, Takao Sato, wanted to return it to Korea. He worked with Korean experts for many years to study the shrine and prepare it for return. He also paid for the moving costs.

Sato said, “Since I became the chief in 2002, I thought the shrine should go back to Korea.” Even though it wasn’t stolen, he said it belongs in Korea because of its history and meaning.

Now, the shrine’s parts are in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, where Korean experts will restore it.

Korea’s cultural officials said this return shows mutual respect and cooperation between the two countries.

Sayart.net Jason Yim yimjongho1969@gmail.com