Historical sites illegally used for weddings

A local wedding company owner has been accused of illegally using historical sites in Jongno, Seoul, for traditional wedding ceremonies, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said Friday.

The Jongno District Office filed a complaint against the owner, identified by his surname Lee, in June for allegedly attracting customers to hold weddings in Munmyo and Sungkyunkwan without the Cultural Heritage Administration‘s approval for more than two years, officials said.

The two properties are together designated as national Historical Site No. 143.

Officials explained that Lee’s firm was popular among brides-to-be who preferred traditional weddings.

Munmyo is a Confucian shrine where scholars held debates and conducted research in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and Sungkyunkwan was the royal educational institution during the period.

(monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)