Mayor Jung Dukyoung Holds First Goyurae Ceremony After Inauguration: "Serving Citizens with Integrity"

Yangju City Marks the Inauguration of 9th-term Mayor Jung Dukyoung
'Goyurae' Ceremony Held at Yangju Hyanggyo

Jung Dukyoung, Mayor of Yangju City, visited Yangju Hyanggyo for the first time since his inauguration to inform the ancestors about the launch of the 9th-term elected administration, expressing his commitment to lead a city government marked by integrity and fairness.

Yang Joo Mayor Jeong Deokyoung held the traditional ceremony called 'Goyu-rye (告由禮)', which announces the inauguration of the 9th elected mayor to the ancestors, at Yangjuhyanggyo on the 14th. Provided by Yangju City

On July 14, Yangju City announced that Mayor Jung Dukyoung held the traditional Confucian ceremony called 'Goyurae' at Yangju Hyanggyo to formally notify the ancestors of the inauguration of the 9th-term elected mayor.

Goyurae is a Confucian traditional ritual performed in times of significant national or regional events, or when a newly appointed local official visits the hyanggyo to report to the wise ancestors and pray for the well-being of the region.

This Goyurae ceremony, held at Yangju Hyanggyo—a prominent historical and cultural asset of Yangju—was intended to publicly mark the launch of the 9th-term administration and reaffirm the city's dedication to becoming an exemplary public servant for its citizens by upholding the teachings and integrity of the ancient sages.

More than 40 people attended the ceremony, including Mayor Jung, Lee Sangwon, Chief Scholar of Yangju Hyanggyo, and local Confucian leaders. The event proceeded solemnly in accordance with traditional procedures, beginning with the allocation of ritual roles, followed by incense burning, a reading of the ritual statement, and the four ceremonial bows.

After the ritual statement, Mayor Jung said, "I will deeply heed the precious teachings of the sages and strive to serve as a true public servant for the citizens, promoting fair and transparent governance. I will emulate the integrity of the ancestors, lead the city based on principles and trust, and always listen attentively to the voices of the citizens with humility."

He further emphasized, "I am committed to making Yangju, the central city of northern Gyeonggi where tradition and the future harmonize, a place where citizens can feel real change."

Meanwhile, Yangju Hyanggyo—designated as Gyeonggi-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 2—continues to play a vital role in preserving the region's history and Confucian culture by promoting various traditional cultural heritage projects, including the spring and autumn Seokjeon Daeje ceremonies and national heritage utilization programs at hyanggyos and seowons.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.