| Gwanwangmyo Shrine (1598, moved 1831) other
sites in Andong |
Andong, Korea |
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Gwanwangmyo shrine honors Gwan U, the Chinese god of war (Guan Yu in Chinese). It is one of only four such shrines in the country. Long ago Gwan U was a commoner serving in the ranks of the Chinese army. Born a curd merchant, the erstwhile soldier steadily climbed the ranks, winning victory after victory. So great was his leadership and so powerful his memory that he was deified after his death. People called upon him in times of distress. Imported to Korea, the Kwanu cult flourished in the mid-Joseon dynasty. It is said that Gwanwangmyo was built by the county magistrate after Gwan U appeared to him in a dream. It is also said that Gwan U assisted the Koreans in the fight against the Japanese invaders during the Imjin war (1592-98).
Gwan U is rarely worshipped nowadays, but visitors to Andong shouldn't miss this tidy little shrine. It sits next to the small Seoaksa temple, which is also worth visiting.
Bibliography
All images copyright 2000-2001 Abe Ahn and Tim Ciccone
Nilsen, Robert South Korea
Handbook
Moon Travel Publications.
Hong Kong. 1997
Additional information from signposts on site.