The Background and Orientation of the Reorganization of State Rituals in Koryŏ in the 12th Century

This study examines the reorganization of state rituals in Koryŏ during the transitional period around the 12th century, focusing on the historical context and significance of these changes. Since the early Koryŏ period, the dynasty had placed considerable importance on ritual as part of its efforts to consolidate the state system. Beginning in the reign of King Sŏngjong, Confucian norms were actively adopted to restructure official rites. While previous scholarship has often interpreted this process as a passive adoption of Tang and Song ritual systems, this study reevaluates it as a proactive and deliberate response to internal conditions and social transformations of the time. In particular, from the late 11th century to the early 12th century, a series of reforms aimed at strengthening royal authority was initiated, with state rituals revised to emphasize the sacredness of the monarch. During the reign of King Yejong, Koryŏ actively embraced Song ritual reforms such as taesŏngak(court music for the ancestral temple) and sacrificial vessels, culminating in the compilation of the Sangjŏng kogŭm yemun, a comprehensive code of rituals. Under Kings Sukjong and Yejong, the centralization of royal power and the restoration of public order were key political agendas, while King Injong sought to establish a monopolized power structure through his inner circle and the influential group based in Sŏgyŏng. Similarly, King Ŭijong attempted to assert political dominance through his close retainers. The harsh criticism by court historians during the reign of King Myŏngjong regarding the ritual reforms under King Ŭijong further underscores that these ritual revisions were closely tied to efforts to enhance kingship.