A Study on the Theories of Jwajowusa(左祖右社) and Jeonmyohuchim(前廟後寢) of an Ancient Jongmyo Shrine System

A groundbreaking analysis of ancient Korean architectural principles reveals that the spatial arrangement of Jongmyo Shrine, with its 'left ancestor right land' (Jwajowusa) and 'front shrine back residence' (Jeonmyohuchim), was not merely symbolic but functionally integral to ceremonial practices. The study challenges traditional interpretations by reinterpreting these layouts—specifically, the positioning of '社稷' (land and grain deities)—as auxiliary roles supporting rituals at the main shrine rather than standalone elements. By synthesizing classical texts like the Zhou Rituals and Han-era commentaries, researchers propose two plausible models for 'Jeonmyohuchim': one where both structures coexist within a single enclosed space, and another where they represent distinct domains—political-administrative (front) and residential (back). This work bridges historical records with architectural theory, offering new insights into the functional design of ancient Korean ceremonial sites.

Seo, J.-h. (2016). A Study on the Theories of Jwajowusa(左祖右社) and Jeonmyohuchim(前廟後寢) of an Ancient Jongmyo Shrine System. The Study of the Eastern Classic, 62(0), 231–262. https://doi.org/10.16880/sec.2016.62.09.231