The Kunjung-mun Sangryangmun of Kyunbok-koong Palace

경복궁(景福宮) 근정문(勤政門) 상량문(上樑門)

Kunjung-mun Gate the only existing multi-level palace gate from the Chosun Dynasty, is the main fate of Kungjung-jun, the central building of Kyungbok-koong Palace. Sangryangmun(a written record of the construction of the ridge beam) of Kunjung-mun Gate was discovered in a hole under its main beam during the renovation project on September 19th, 2000. At the time of discovery, Sangryangmun was found in its original state as a rolled up scroll. On a clould-patterned, red silk cloth, 78 cm in width and 1200 cm in length, each of all 92 lines of the Kunjung-mun Sangryangmun is comprised of either 7 or 11 brush-written, ornamental "Seal" characters. With an exception of its discoloration, the material is considered well preserved. After its discovery, the National Institute of Cultural Properties stored the document in an airtight container for a permanent preservation. In accordance to the Royal Command at the time, the Kunjung-mun Sangryangmun was composed by Kim Byungi, then written by Lee Donsang on January 19th 1867. This document records the meaning and the process of the repair effort of Kunjung-mun Gate includes the wish for peace and longevity of the Chosun Kingdom and its people.