Gilsangsa Temple, Jincheon

This shrine enshrines a portrait of General Kim Yu-sin (595–673), a central figure in the unification of the Three Kingdoms. Kim Yu-sin became a hwarang (a member of an elite corps of youth warriors) at the age of fifteen, and in 660, the seventh year of King Muyeol, became sangdaedeung (Silla's highest state councillor). He then allied with Tang China to destroy Baekje, became commander-in-chief of the combined Silla-Tang forces, subjugated Goguryeo, and in 676 achieved the great feat of unifying the Three Kingdoms. During the Silla and Goryeo periods, memorial rites were held for him each spring and autumn at a shrine below Taeryeongsan Mountain, where he had been born. After the founding of Joseon, however, the shrine was neglected and fell into ruin through the Japanese invasions of 1592–98 and the Manchu invasion of 1636. In 1851, the second year of King Cheoljong, Jukgyesa Shrine was built in Baekgok-myeon to house his portrait. In 1864, the first year of Emperor Gojong's reign, it was demolished under Heungseon Daewongun's order abolishing seowon (Confucian academies), but in 1926 it was rebuilt on its present site as Gilsangsa Temple through the efforts of his descendant Kim Man-hui, and it was renovated again in 1975. Today the site also holds a portrait of Kim Yu-sin painted by Jang U-seong, together with Heungmujeon Hall and the Heungmu Daewang Sinseongbi stele, among other features.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jincheon, Chungbuk

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물