Chunhyang Shrine

About this place

The Chunhyang Shrine is a memorial shrine built in 1931 to honor Chunhyang's unwavering devotion to her beloved, located east of Gwanghallu Pavilion amid a bamboo grove symbolizing fidelity. At the center of the shrine hangs the plaque 'Yeollyeo Chunhyang-sa,' and inside rests a portrait of Chunhyang; it is said that praying here will ensure the fulfillment of one's marriage vow, drawing growing numbers of worshippers. The original portrait was painted and donated by Kang Ju-su of Jinju; in autumn 1939, a portrait painted by the renowned painter Yi Dang Kim Eun-ho was enshrined alongside it, but both were damaged during the Korean War. Since 1961, the portrait of Chunhyang painted by Yi Dang Kim Eun-ho that was donated has remained enshrined. The Chunhyang Shrine was established in 1931 during the Japanese colonial period, initiated by prominent citizens of Namwon along with kisaeng (gisaeng entertainers) of the local gwonbeon, united to cultivate national consciousness and carry forward Chunhyang's spirit of fidelity. A grand Chunhyang Festival is held every year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (Dano).