LogoRM-2

[restitution matters]

Japan returns Joseon-era royal shrine to Korea

A royal shrine from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), believed to have been removed from Korea nearly a century ago during Japan’s colonial rule, has returned home. Known as Gwanwoldang, the wooden structure was officially transferred to Korea through a bilateral cultural collaboration marking the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The dismantled structure has been sent to Korea for preservation and restoration. It marks the first time an entire Korean building located overseas has been repatriated.

Gwanwoldang, a single-story wooden building with a gabled roof, features the distinctive style of a late-Joseon royal shrine. It contains three kan, or bays, across the front and two along the side.

Gwanwoldang, a royal shrine from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), inside Kotoku-in, a Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Japan [KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE]

[ Courtesy Korea Heritage Service ]

The structure is believed to have originally stood in the Seoul area and may have been used for royal ancestral rites.

Historical records suggest that it was gifted by Korea’s Chosun Industrial Bank in 1924, when Korea was colonized by Japan, to Kisei Sugino, the founding president of Yamaichi Securities of Japan.

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-06-24/culture/koreanHeritage/Japan-returns-Joseonera-royal-shrine-in-effort-with-Korea/2337669

  • Published on this website on 30 Sep 2025
  • by Jos van Beurden

Source type:

Source:

Origin:

Collection:

Currently in:

Stakeholders: |

Join our Newsletter

Connected minds

RM* welcomes your suggestions for news items, publications and events, preferably with a short summary and a weblink (url).
Mail us