If visitations to the royal palaces and royal compounds have given you the feeling of sovereignty, the Jongmyo or the royal shrine dedicated to the deceased kings and queens of Joseon dynasty is filled with solemnity and holiness. This is where the royal ancestral tablets are preserved. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site after being declared as the oldest royal Confucian shrine, dating back to its establishment in the 14th Century. The architecture of Jongmyo’s halls is an outstanding example of traditional Korean architecture with its delicate wooden structure which remains as it is from centuries ago. Jongmyo is made up of Jeongjeon or the main hall; Yeongnyeongjeon or the hall of eternal peace; and other auxiliary buildings such as Jeonsacheong, Eosuksil, Hyangdaecheong and Sindang.
Apart from the sights that you can indulge in, you can also witness elegant performances and rituals such as the Jongmyo Jeryeak, or the recreated performance of ancient court music with dance accompaniment and Jongmyo Daeje (royal shrine ritual) which was practiced many centuries ago and is still performed every year on the first Sunday of May, in remembrance and tribute of the very remarkable era of Joseon.
*photo source: https://blog.naver.com/kcis_/221257233088
