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Jidang, also known as the Pond, stands across from Mangmyoru and is one of the three man-made bodies of water situated within the precincts of the Jongmyo Shrine. Its purpose was to convey the divine energy of heaven, reflected in the water of the pond, into the surrounding earth. While Jidang may appear as a modest garden pond, it was meticulously designed in accordance with ancient East Asian philosophical traditions. According to this philosophy, the round islet at the center symbolizes heaven, while the square perimeter of the pond symbolizes earth. The harmonious interplay between the islet and the water signifies the balance between heaven and earth, reflecting the universal peace and harmony encompassing all things in the cosmos. The profound philosophical depth reflected in every intricate detail of the architecture and landscaping underscores the elevated status of this royal ancestral shrine among all state and royal institutions. Exploring Jidang with an understanding of its significance and architectural elements enhances the enjoyment of the surroundings.

The portrait displayed in this small shrine hall depicts King Gongmin, one of the last rulers of the Goryeo Dynasty, alongside his queen consort, Princess Noguk. Historical records reveal that the king made earnest, though partially successful, efforts to shield his kingdom from the interventions of the Mongol-founded Yuan Dynasty in China. However, the kingdom fell in the final decade of the 14th century, conquered by one of its influential military leaders who later established the Joseon Dynasty. The presence of the Goryeo royal couple's portrait in the state institution of the Joseon Dynasty raises questions. The circumstances surrounding the establishment of King Gongmin's memorial shrine within the Joseon royal ancestral shrine remain shrouded in mystery, with various versions attempting to explain its origin. One of the most widespread and somewhat fantastic accounts tells of a violent whirlwind striking a building site where construction was underway for the Joseon dynasty's royal shrine. Suddenly, a portrait appeared, blown by the wind from somewhere in the air. The portrait was quickly moved to the palace, prompting an emergency cabinet meeting regarding its identity and significance. The king of the new dynasty discovered that the portrait was that of King Gongmin of Goryeo, the ruler he had deposed. His cabinet members believed that there might be some divine intention behind what had transpired at the site, destined to become the most sacred place in their new country. The Joseon king, concurring with his cabinet's sentiments, decided to construct a memorial hall for the Goryeo ruler within the sanctuary of his ancestral shrine, paying homage to the significant reform efforts and achievements made during his reign.

Hyangdaecheong, or the Great Incense Hall, serves as a dedicated hall for the preparation of rites. Comprising two long buildings positioned side by side with a rectangular courtyard between them, this structure holds distinct roles for the rituals conducted at the shrine. The left building, known as Hyangcheong or the Incense Hall, primarily functions as a storage area for essential religious items utilized during the seasonal memorial rites conducted in the shrine. These items include incense, which is essential for invoking the spirits of the deceased royal ancestors, as well as written prayers offered to the gods of heaven and earth. Additionally, this space houses special gifts presented to the spirits and gods. Historically, these items were bestowed by the king on the day preceding the rite. The building today maintains all the ritual vessels, though without food offerings, arranged in a manner reminiscent of the original rite. The adjacent building on the right, Jipsacheong, translates to the Stewards' Hall, where all the stewards convened to prepare themselves for the rite. During the Joseon period, several buildings served specific duties related to preparing, overseeing, and managing the rite. However, amidst turbulent times, Jipsacheong remains the sole surviving structure from that period.