Daoism in Goryeo — Chojae Rites and the Bogwongung

Also called: Bogwongung, Daoist rites of Goryeo

Goryeo often held chojae, Daoist rites praying to heaven and the stars for blessings, and King Yejong built the Daoist temple Bogwongung.

Daoism in Goryeo was practised mixed with Buddhism, geomancy and folk belief and never formed an organized church. The court frequently held chojae, Daoist offerings to heaven and the stars to avert calamity and seek blessings. Welcoming Daoist priests sent by Emperor Huizong of Song, Yejong built the Bogwongung (Bogwongwan) north of the palace and enshrined images of the Three Pure Ones, the highest Daoist deities — counted as the first Daoist temple in Korean history.

The Buddhist Palgwanhoe festival also mixed in Daoist and native worship of the gods of heaven, mountains and rivers. Daoist rites continued into early Joseon under the Sogyeokseo.