Namhae Dangji

This is a ritual site where the state formerly offered sacrifices to the spirit of Namhae (the Southern Sea) to pray for the peace of the nation and for good harvests along the southern coast. From the Goryeo dynasty, Korea maintained sea-spirit shrines (haesindang) at three places — Yangyang for the East Sea, Pungcheon for the West Sea, and Naju for the South Sea — where the state conducted rites. Namhaedang was one of these three, and the Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam records that incense and prayer texts were sent down for rites held each spring and autumn. After Japan seized Korea's sovereignty in 1910, however, the rites ceased. Aligned along a north–south axis, the site has a shrine platform of about 6m at its centre, and the foundations of the inner and outer sammun (three-bay gates) and of the shrine-keeper's house have been confirmed. Namhaedang holds particular significance as the only one of the three sea-spirit shrines whose site still survives.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongam, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물