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Seonjamje is a traditional religious ritual wishing the prosperity of sericulture to the Deity of Sericulture, Seoreung and took place at Seonjamdanji (praying place to the deity), Seongbuk-dong now, through the royal families from Goryeo to Joseon dynasties. From the 2nd year of King Jeongjong (1400), the Joseon Dynasty, it took place on 3rd March every year and in the 2nd year of King Seongjong, they rebuilt Seonjamdan and also built Chaesangdan in the gardens of Changdeokgung Palace, where the queen by herself raised silkworms. |
| The Deity of Agriculture was enshrined at Seonnongdan, Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu now while the Deity of Sericulture was at Seonjamdan and nationwide praying rituals took place every year. In 《Yongjaechonghwa》 10 volumes written by Seong Hyeon, it shows “Seonjanje is performed with traditional music and rituals in March of the lunar calendar”, which suggests that the event of Seonjamje accompanied Buddhist dance and ritual music. |
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| In July, the 2nd year of King Sunjong (1908), the Deities of Sericulture and Agriculture were moved to Sajikdan (Altar to the State deities) for the rituals. Then Sunjamje was suspended until Seongbuk District restored it through historical research and consultation in 1993 and it has been carrying on until now. Seonjamje Ritual is organized by the Seonjamje Ritual Preservation Committee made of the residents of Seongbuk-dong and takes place on May 7 every year, the Day of Seongbuk Residents, connected with Arirang Festival, a representative festival of the Seongbuk District. |
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