Will new president fulfill ancient prophecy?

There was little suspense in Korea’s June 3 presidential election, which saw Lee Jae Myung of the Democratic Party of Korea elected. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ill-advised martial law declaration was overturned, Yoon was impeached and his People Power Party (PPP) appeared doomed. But what surprised me the next morning was a headline announcing Lee's intention to relocate the presidential office to Sejong. While Lee is currently planning to relocate his office into Cheong Wa Dae, discussions remain open about moving south to the planned city.

The idea of relocating Korea’s capital has been debated since 2002. Although the Constitutional Court blocked a full move from Seoul, Sejong was established in 2007 as a special administrative capital and now hosts numerous government agencies. Proponents cite reduced congestion in Seoul, more balanced regional development and greater national security by distancing government operations from the North Korean border.

Yet, opposition has lingered — often vague, and rooted more in sentiment or political inertia than reasoned argument. I recall how President Lee Myung-bak wavered on the issue during his term, eventually admitting his earlier support was a campaign tactic. At the time, I heard murmurs within the Buddhist community suggesting that powerful Christian-aligned politicians were uneasy about fulfilling a Buddhist monk’s centuries-old prophecy.

Curious, I asked a monk friend about the prophecy. He explained that in the ninth century during the late Unified Silla period, Ven. Doseon foresaw not only the rise and fall of the 918-1392 Goryeo Dynasty and the establishment of Seoul as the capital of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty, but also the eventual founding of a new capital near Mount Gyeryong in South Chungcheong Province, from which a great leader would emerge.

Doseon studied feng shui in Tang China and adapted it into Korea’s unique "pungsu-jiri" geomancy. According to legend, he gave a sealed document to a couple, instructing them to pass it on to their unborn son. That child was Wang Geon, the first king and founder of Goryeo. The document reportedly guided him in locating his palace and temples — and he forbade any construction not authorized by it.

Historically, there’s no evidence that Doseon predicted Seoul or outlined the dynastic timelines. The earliest record of the “500-year” prophecy surfaces in 17th-century writings and is likely a product of folklore rather than fact.

Another monk, Ven. Muhak — regarded as Doseon’s spiritual heir or even reincarnation — is better documented. He is credited with selecting the site of Hanyang (modern Seoul) as the Joseon capital. Some say it was Muhak, not Doseon, who foresaw a capital shift after 500 years.

Despite the lack of hard evidence, Doseon’s influence lingers. He is linked to three significant Seoul temples — Doseon Temple, Bongwon Temple and Bulam Temple — said to form a geomantic triangle protecting the city. Coincidence or not, Joseon lasted just over 500 years.

Now, after the former president’s unusual refusal to enter Cheong Wa Dae — a decision that symbolically distanced the presidency from its traditional home — the path may be clear for a more permanent shift to Sejong, almost as though the land itself has been waiting, its contours whispering what Doseon once read in its mountains and valleys.

Joseph Bengivenni is a writer, photographer and artist based in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. He focuses on Korean Buddhist history, philosophy and practices. When he's not teaching, he's likely practicing Seon meditation at Gaesim Temple or seeking out mountain temples in all corners of the land. Follow his work on Instagram @oxherder_photography.