Jongmyo Daeje Royal Ancestral Rites

Introduction

Jongmyo Daeje, a royal ancestral rite, takes place annually at Jongmyo Shrine in Jongno, Seoul on the first Sunday of May. Considered the most important ceremony of Joseon Dynasty, it was originally held five times a year until the Japanese colonial government (1910-1945) abolished it. The rite was finally reinstated in 1971 and has since been held once a year. In 1995, it was registered as one of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritages. In 2001, the Jongmyo Jerye and Jeryeak were the first Korean traditions to be selected as an oral heritage as well as important intangible cultural assets by UNESCO. Event Programs: “Daeje,” which is a great religious ceremony service, and considered to be the largest and grandest Joseon-Dynasty ancestral ceremony. Designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 56, the rite begins with a greeting to the ancestor spirits, an offering to them, a blessing by the spirits, and lastly, a farewell bidding to the spirits. The rite, which is accompanied by music, song, and dance, is in itself majestic. The variety of gorgeous costumes and colorful accouterments especially reserved for the rite provide a glimpse into the aesthetic past of Korea. An example is the parilmu dance, performed by 64 dancers in eight lines and eight rows, or a reenactment of a royal procession called eogahaengnyeol, and other fabulous ceremonies. The eogahaengnyeol in particular is an hour-long royal procession from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Jongmyo Shrine. The ritual music, Jongmyo Jeryeak, is formal and solemn, emphasizing the importance of this royal ceremony held under the highest degree of formality. At the same time, it has the power to fill listeners with warmth and serenity. It is designated as Important Intangible Cultural Properties No. 1. Major Highlights: The ceremony offers a rare opportunity to hear Jongmyo Jeryeak, Korea’s cultural legacy of classical Oriental music. In fact, the Jongmyo Jeryeak preceded liturgical music of the western Baroque Period by 200 years. The beautiful sounds and melodies created by traditional Korean instruments cannot compare to a Western orchestra.

Performance Times

09:30 AM ~ 02:30 PM

Admission/Participation Fees

Free of charge

Transportation

Take subway line 3 to Jongno 3-ga Station, and go out of Exit 8 / You can also take subway line 1 to Jongno 3-ga Station , and go out exit 11 or take subway line 5 to Jongno 3-ga Station, and go out Exit 8. Jongmyo Shrine is within a short walking distance from Jongno 3-ga station.

Homepage

www.jongmyo.net (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)