SEOUL, April 3 (Korea Bizwire) — The solemn grounds of Jongmyo Shrine, Korea’s most revered royal ancestral site, will be transformed into a stage of majestic sound and movement later this month as the government hosts a special nighttime performance of Jongmyo Jeryeak, a traditional court music and dance ceremony.
The Korea Heritage Service’ Palaces and Tombs Center, along with the Korea Heritage Agency, announced on Thursday that the evening performances will take place from April 24 through May 2 at the Jongmyo Jeongjeon Hall, the central structure of the shrine.
Jongmyo houses the ancestral tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire. The performances will re-create Jongmyo Jeryeak, a ritual art form combining music, song, and dance once performed during royal ancestral rites.
Recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity since 2001, the tradition represents the pinnacle of Korean court music.
Over the course of nine evenings, visitors will be invited to experience both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Jongmyo. The performances will unfold before the Jeongjeon Hall, Korea’s longest single-standing traditional building, designated as a National Treasure.
Musicians will perform ancient compositions such as Botaepyeong and Jeongdaeeop, while dancers known as Ilmu-won will perform the solemn and synchronized Munmu and Mumu court dances.
This year’s event carries added significance, marking the 30th anniversary of Jongmyo’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the completion of a multi-year restoration of Jeongjeon Hall, which began in 2020.
Tickets go on sale April 7 at 2 p.m. through Ticketlink. Seniors aged 65 and older, individuals with disabilities, and national merit honorees can make reservations by phone at 1588-7890. The event is also open to foreign visitors, with each performance limited to 550 attendees.
“In the stillness of night at Jongmyo, guests will be immersed in the living legacy of royal music that has echoed through six centuries,” a Korea Heritage Service official said.
Image credit: The Korea Heritage Service’ Palaces and Tombs Center, Yonhap/ photonews@koreabizwire.com
