As Neo-Confucian fundamentalists, Korean officers found it unacceptable to worship Guan Yu, but were unable to refuse the Chinese request for enshrinement.

The construction was a burden to exhausted postwar Korea and the shrine was maintained only with concern for the relationship with China.

But during the reign of King Yeongjo (1724–1776), Dongmyo and Nammyo (another shrine constructed by Ming military official Zhen Yin) were incorporated into state rituals for the purpose of Ming worship linked with hostility toward and contempt for Manchu Qing dynasty.

The shrine, following the Chinese model, is narrower in width than depth, and the rear and side walls are sumptuously decorated with bricks.

Inside the main shrine a wooden image of Guan Yu is enshrined, along with statues of four of his retainers.