Jongmyo Daeje Opens to Visitors After 3 Years

Simultaneous Confirmation of Dignified Ceremonies and Majestic Architectural Beauty
Entry Limited to 150 Visitors Due to Jongmyo Jeongjeon Restoration Work

The Jongmyo Daeje, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, will welcome visitors for the first time in three years. Jongmyo Daeje is a ritual belonging to the 'Gukjo Oryeui (國朝五禮儀)' ceremonial rites. It is a large-scale ceremony that was conducted directly by the king. Restored in 1969, it has been held annually to maintain its tradition. This year, it will take place at Jongmyo on the 1st of next month. Jongmyo is a shrine housing the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens. The dignified ritual, music, and dance blend harmoniously with the majestic architectural beauty of Jongmyo Daeje.

The traditional culture, transcending time and space, begins at 11 a.m. at Gwanghwamun in Gyeongbokgung Palace. The royal procession travels through Sejongno Intersection and Jongno 1, 2, and 3-ga streets to Jongmyo. The memorial rite is held at 2 p.m. Since the main hall of Jongmyo is under renovation, the ceremony will be moved to Yeongnyeongjeon Hall. Due to the smaller scale, the ten procedures will be performed with a minimal number of participants. The sequence is as follows: Chwiwi (entrance of officiants preparing for the ritual), Singwanrye (welcoming the spirits), Gwisikrye (offering food), Chohunrye (offering the first cup to the spirits), Ahunrye (offering the second cup), Jonghunrye (offering the third cup), Eumbokrye (sharing the food used in the ritual), Cheolbyeondu (collecting the ritual offerings), Songsinsabae (sending off the spirits), and Mangnyorye (burning the ritual documents and waste used in the ceremony).

Only 150 visitors with prior reservations can directly experience the spirit and value embodied in Jongmyo Daeje. Visitors without reservations can watch the ceremony on large screens installed within the premises. For more details, please refer to the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website.