- Enhancing the Completeness of the Jeolla Inspection Program through the Use of 'Honam Ilgi'

A record has been revealed that indicates the significant influence of Buddhism in Jeolla Province, despite the Confucian policy of honoring Confucianism and suppressing Buddhism during the Joseon Dynasty.

The diary 'Honam Ilgi' written by Yi Sang-hwang (1763-1841) during his tenure as the Jeolla Governor for a year and eight months from July 1810 (King Sunjo 10) to March 1812 has been translated and published.

According to an entry in the 'Honam Ilgi' dated April 8, 1811, Yi Sang-hwang rode a sedan chair in the evening to Mount Omok to observe the ceremonial lantern lighting event, where he enjoyed music, conversed with officials, and returned to the inspection office late at night. This signifies the participation of the Jeolla Governor in the ceremonial lantern lighting event at Mount Omok on the day of Buddha's arrival.

Lee Dong-hee, the head of the Jeonju Cultural Research Institute (former director of the Jeonju History Museum), who was in charge of the translation, stated, "Despite the official Confucian policy of the Joseon era, Buddhism still held influence among the public, which could explain why the Jeolla Governor attended the ceremonial lantern lighting event."

He further mentioned that the observation of the Jeolla Governor at the lantern lighting event not only has religious significance but also holds noteworthy records related to the cultural content of Jeonju Hanok Village.

Additionally, the 'Honam Ilgi' includes brief but vivid descriptions of the actual practices of the Jeolla Inspection, such as incidents where the governor punished officials for mistakes, the rituals and procedures of the Wangkwallye (a ritual where local officials pay respects to the royal palace), the items presented as tribute, the process of presenting the tribute, the ritual of local officials informing the inspection, and the composition of the inspection procession.

Yi Sang-hwang, a descendant of Prince Hyoryeong, passed the civil service examination and rose through the ranks to become a high-ranking official, serving as a secretary in the royal office and later appointed as the Jeolla Governor. He held positions such as Daesahoen (chief state councilor) and Ijopanseo (chief of the Board of Personnel) before eventually reaching the position of Yeonguijeong (Minister of Justice).

He was known to carry out administrative duties daily without official holidays, handling matters even during major holidays like Lunar New Year and Chuseok, only taking breaks when he was ill.

Jeonju City plans to utilize the recently published 'Honam Ilgi' to enhance the authenticity of programs related to the revitalization of the Jeolla Inspection. They also aim to lead the development of rich cultural content by creating content based on the book's contents.

Noh Eun-young, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated, "This translation will be used as foundational material for the revitalization of the Jeolla Inspection," adding, "Through this, we hope that the Jeolla Inspection will be filled with diverse and abundant cultural content, becoming a cornerstone of cultural cultivation in Jeonju City."