[Arirang Culture Connect: Suwon, 15 Nov. 2025]

On November 14, 2025 (lunar calendar: September 25), the Cheongra Branch of the Bannam Park Clan held the 400th Memorial Rite (Sihyangje) for their esteemed ancestor, Park Lin, in an atmosphere marked by solemn dignity and deep ancestral reverence. More than 200 descendants and members of the wider Bannam Park Clan gathered from across the country to commemorate four centuries of lineage, heritage, and shared cultural identity.

The ceremony proceeded with the opening declaration, the recital of the clan anthem Bannamga, introductions of distinguished guests, addresses by the leadership of the Bannam Park Clan, and the full sequence of ancestral rites. In particular, the choral presentation of Bannamga—written and composed by Park Song-dong—stirred a profound emotional response among attendees, resonating with themes of ancestral virtue, the continuity of heritage, and the enduring responsibility of descendants.

The members of the clan have gathered to solemnly conduct the ancestral rites of the Cheongra Branch.

Honoring Five Generations Through a Lineage of Integrity

Following traditional Confucian protocols, participants offered rites to five generations of direct ancestors:

the 12th-generation forebear Gwanggyo-gong,

the 13th-generation forebears Jong-ryeol-gong and Dosu-gong,

the 14th-generation forebears Hangyo-gong and Jeonggeo-gong,

the 15th-generation forebears Duun-gong and Junggang-gong, and

the 16th-generation forebears Asan-gong and Cheongra-gong (Park Lin).

The sequential offering rites—Initial (Choheon), Secondary (Aheon), and Final (Jongheon)—were carried out with utmost formality. Members of the Cheongra Branch, including directors, auditors, and representatives from affiliated family lines, participated wholeheartedly, reaffirming the unity of the clan and their shared commitment to ancestral values.

Bannamga: A Song that Carries the Spirit of the Clan

The event opened with the joint recitation of Bannamga, a symbolic moment that united all attendees.

“Deep-rooted stories passed down through history,
The noble Bannam Park lineage shining like a river’s flow…”

As the song echoed throughout the hall, many participants were visibly moved, reflecting on the profound legacy of their ancestors and the collective identity inherited across generations.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Ancestor Park Lin (Cheongra-gong)

The ceremony also featured a presentation on the life and accomplishments of Park Lin (Cheongra-gong), the founding ancestor of the Cheongra Branch whose legacy forms its spiritual foundation.

Park Lin (born 1547, passed away 1625 at the age of 79) was a descendant of the scholarly Bannam Park lineage connected to notable figures of the Joseon period. Although he chose not to pursue official government office, he dedicated his life to learning, moral cultivation, and service to his community. His household was known for its adherence to propriety, scholarship, and integrity, and he served as a respected mentor to local scholars.

His siblings and relatives likewise contributed to elevating the intellectual and ethical standing of the wider Bannam Park Clan. Together, they nurtured the cultural and moral climate that would guide future generations.

Do-yu-sa Park Seung-won is delivering his remarks.

Do-yu-sa Park Seung-won: “Honoring the Virtue and Scholarship of Our Ancestor”

In his remarks, Do-yu-sa Park Seung-won expressed deep gratitude to all descendants who gathered to commemorate the 400th Memorial Rite of the 12th-generation ancestor, Cheongra-gong Park Lin (1547–1625). He noted that the recently completed Korean inscription of the ancestor’s 1,200-character epitaph—originally composed in classical Chinese by the eminent scholar Park Se-chae—was a meaningful achievement made possible by the devoted efforts of the Cheongra Branch leadership.

Park emphasized that Park Lin was a distinguished late-Joseon scholar whose integrity, learning, and exemplary conduct remain a moral compass for descendants today. He recalled the ancestor’s enduring teaching that “knowledge must be put into practice,” a lesson that continues to resonate in contemporary times.

He further remarked that today’s memorial rite is not merely a remembrance ceremony, but a moment for renewing the clan’s commitment to unity, mutual respect, and intergenerational responsibility. Concluding his address, he conveyed heartfelt thanks to all participants and expressed his wish that the noble spirit of the ancestor continue to guide the clan’s future.

Group photo of all participating clan members.

Continuing Tradition, Advancing Toward the Future

Building on the success of this year’s memorial ceremony, the Cheongra Branch announced its plans to further strengthen:

educational programs for younger descendants,

historical documentation and record preservation,

cultural exchanges with local communities, and

the promotion and dissemination of Bannamga.

The ceremony concluded peacefully with a final bow and closing remarks, as attendees exchanged warm greetings and expressed their renewed commitment to carrying forward the legacy entrusted to them by generations past.

Culture Masters and the Advocacy Alliance for Culture Masters (AACM) are working together to preserve traditional culture and promote its sustainable development.