King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, relocated the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado, to Hwasan in Suwon (currently, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do), which was known as the most auspicious place for a burial tomb. In 1796 CE (20th year of King Jeongjo), a new city was built under Paldalsan Mountain in Suwon to serve as a new base for the people of Hwasan (Hwaseong), and also to eradicate the severe conflict between political factions in the royal court. This new city became Suwon Hwaseong. The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, which was designed by Jeong Yak-yong and built under the supervision of Chae Je-gong, was a walled city that served residential, defensive, and commercial functions. This planned city featured the latest science, technology, architecture from both the East and West available at the time. It is a unique example of city-building, and a rarity found nowhere else around the world. Inside the Fortress, which takes advantage of the surrounding natural terrain, features facilities such as the Gongsimdon, Poru, Nodae, Bongdon, and Ammun to effectively defend against and attack enemy forces. A big reason why Hwaseong looks elegant and sophisticated despite the fact that it is, in essence, a stone fortress, is because of Paldalmun Gate, Hwahongmun Gate, and Banghwasuryujeong. Paldalmun Gate is a barbican structure that shields the Gate itself behind another semi-circular wall, whereas Hwahongmun Gate protects the Fortress from floods (Suwoncheon River is nearby) and invaders, and Banghwasuryujeong is both a military command center and a place to rest for soldiers. Banghwasuryujeong (Dongbukgaknu Pavilion) in particular, which overlooks a pond, is considered one of the best buildings in all of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Meanwhile, Suwon Hwaseong also features a Haenggung Temporary Palace. A Haenggung refers to a palace where the king temporarily stays when he ventures outside his royal palace. The Haeunggung Temporary Palace in Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built for King Jeongjo whenever he made the trip to the resting place of his father, Crown Prince Sado. When the King was not in Suwon, the Haenggung was used as the local administrative office. Bongsudang, the main hall of Hwaseong Haenggung, hosted the 61st birthday of King Jeongjo’s mother, Lady Hyegyeong, in 1795 CE (19th year of King Jeongjo).

Suwon Paldalmun Gate is the southern gate of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. On the outside of the Gate is a semi-circular barbican designed to protect the Gate. This barbican was restored to its original condition in 1975 based on historical research. The Gate used to be connected to the Fortress wall to the left and right. The wall, however, was dismantled to make way for a road.

Suwon Banghwasuryujeong was built in 1794 CE (18th year of King Jeongjo). Although the pavilion, which sits in the northeast corner of Hwaseong Fortress, was designed to serve as a military command, it was built using a mix of masoned stone, lumber, and bricks to make sure it could serve as a normal pavilion during peacetime. Banghwasuryujeong was repaired in 1848 CE (14th year of King Heonjong), and partially repaired several times after Korea won its independence from Japan.

Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung
Built in 1789 CE (13th year of King Jeongjo) as a government office when Suwon-eup was relocated from Annyeong-myeon to the foothills of Paldalsan Mountain, the Haenggung also served as a temporary palace whenever King Jeongjo traveled to Suwon. In 1909, locals started using Hwaseong Haenggung as a hospital. Now, most of the building has been demolished - only the Naknamheon remains.

Jongmyo Shrine is dedicated to the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, as well as members of the royal family posthumously honored as monarchs. Construction began in 1394 CE (3rd year of King Taejo) and was completed the following year. Given its roots in Confucianism, the Joseon Dynasty placed great importance on performing ancestral rites. Since faithfully following Confucian rites was directly related to the authority and righteousness of the royal family, one of the first things King Taejo (Yi Seong-gye) did was to commission the Jongmyo Shrine. Not surprisingly, Jongmyo served both as a symbol of the nation and a sacred sanctuary that gave legitimacy to the royal family. The Jeongjeon (treasure) at Jongmyo, which is the main venue where ancestral rituals were performed, enshrines the past monarchs of Joseon. It is also the longest stand-alone wooden building in Korea. When it was first built, Jongmyo Shrine was a modest structure. Over the years, however, structures were added adjacent to the original building as more space was required. Meanwhile, the four direct ancestors of King Taejo as well as kings and queens who were not enshrined in Jeongjeon, are enshrined in a separate building, Yeongnyeongjeon (treasure). The simple and modest building preserved in its original form exudes a sense of understated beauty, and the rituals performed inside Jongmyo are called Jongmyo Jerye (national intangible cultural heritage and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage). Jongmyo Jerye, also called the “Daeje,” is a solemn ritual held in strict compliance with traditional Confucian protocols. The music played during the Jerye ceremony is called the Jongmyo Jeryeak (national intangible cultural heritage and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage). The music, which combines music, song, and dance, is unique in that it is the music of the royal court preserved in its original form and that it represents the unique cultural characteristics of Korea as a nation.

Early in the Joseon Dynasty period, the Jongmyo Jeongjeon enshrined the four direct ancestors of King Taejo (his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather). However, it ultimately became a shrine for the four direct ancestors of the reigning monarch and past kings and queens of Joseon of great merit and reputation. Jongmyo, along with Sajikdan where rituals dedicated to the gods of land and grain were performed, is considered the most important ceremonial venue of the Joseon Dynasty.

Jongmyo Yeongnyeongjeon sits to the northwest of Jeongjeon. Today, it enshrines the four direct ancestors of King Taejo as well as the kings and queens who no longer have a place inside Jeongjeon.

Jongmyo Jerye, also known as Daeje, refers to the ritual ceremonies held at Jongmyo Shrine. Jongmyo Jerye is divided into regular rituals and special rituals. Regular rituals were held in January, April, July, and October (i.e. first months of the four seasons), whereas special rituals were held whenever the country would go through great success or tragedy. Since Korea gained independence in 1945, Jongmyo Jerye rituals have been held on the first Sunday of May every year.

Also known as Jongmyoak, Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to music performed during the Jongmyo Jerye. It features dance, song, and instrumental music. Jongmyo Jeryeak was originally created in 1447 CE (29th year of King Sejong) to be used for royal ceremonies. It received an update in 1464 CE (10th year of King Sejo) to suit ancestral rites at the Joseon court.

Built in 1405 CE (5th year of King Taejong), Changdeokgung Palace is its own separate palace. Unfortunately, the Palace was burned down along with Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 CE. Among the three royal palaces, Changdeokgung Palace was the first to be rebuilt. It served as the center of the royal court until Gyeongbokgung Palace was rebuilt later on. While the buildings of Gyeongbokgung Palace feature straight lines and look more rigid in layout, Changdeokgung Palace has free-flowing lines, and structures were built in places that fit the natural topography. In particular, the royal garden, Huwon, preserves the natural landscape particularly well, making the buildings at Changdeokgung Palace look like part of the landscape. This reflects the unique principles and culture of Korean architecture, which valued harmony with nature. Changdeokgung Palace has Oejeon Hall, where the king and his advisors discussed government affairs, and Naejeon Hall, which served as the living space of the royal family. Donhwamun Gate (treasure) of Changdeokgung Palace, the Palace’s main gate that gives people access to Oejeon Hall, is the oldest building in Changdeokgung Palace. Meanwhile, Injeongjeon Hall (treasure), which was named in hopes that the monarchs of Joseon would be benevolent in their rule, hosted important national ceremonies such as coronation ceremonies and weddings. It was also used to name the crown prince or receive foreign dignitaries. From the outside, the Hall looks like it has two floors, but it actually has only one floor. Inside Injeongjeon Hall has a beautiful ceiling and an impressive folding screen called Ilwol Oakdo. If you walk up along the wall that borders Changgyeonggung Palace, you will arrive at Buyongji Temple located near the entrance to Huwon garden. Among the various ponds in Changdeokgung, Huwon has the largest pond. Designed to be more simple and modest on the north side and splendid on the south side, this unique building is considered a prime example of Korean pavilions. On the hill across from Buyongji Pond is a two-story pavilion called Changdeokgung Juhapnu (treasure). Built in 1776 CE (1st year of King Jeongjo), Juhapnu was used for lectures and classes. The first floor served as the Gyujanggak (royal library), while the second floor was a reading room where people could peruse books with a magnificent view of the Palace.

The Donhwamun Gate of Changdeokgung is the Palace's main gate. The word “Donhwa” is from the Doctrine of the Mean. Here, it was used to mean “The benevolent king enlightens and lives in harmony with the people.” Donhwamun Gate is the oldest wooden gate structure among the main gates of royal palaces that remain to this day. It was built in May 1412 CE, then repaired in 1609 CE (1st year of Gwanghaegun).

Injeongjeon Hall of Changdeokgung Palace is the main hall of Changdeokgung Palace. “Injeong” means “benevolent rule,” and it served as the main hall where the king discussed policies with his advisors at Changdeokgung Palace.

Buyongjeong Pavilion at Changdeokgung Palace - Sitting on the southern side of the Buyongji Pond, Buyongjeong Pavilion is one of the best examples of a traditional pavilion built on the banks of a pond. According to the Palace’s journals, the Pavilion was originally called the Taeksuje (built in 1707 CE, 33rd year of King Sukjong). King Jeongjo, however, renamed the Pavilion Buyongjeong.

Juhapnu is located on the northern end of Huwon Garden at Changdeokgung Palace. It is a two-story building built in 1776 CE (1st year of King Jeongjo) to safe keep the Eoje and Eopil. It became the cradle of King Jeongjo's policies and reforms, and it also inspired a renaissance of literature and art during the mid-Joseon Dynasty period. It is an important place frequented by talented individuals, and it used to store the Eoje, Eopil, Eojin, and Injang of King Jeongjo.

Crown Prince Sado, the second son of King Yeongjo (21st monarch of Joseon), died in a wooden rice bin at the age of 27 after being caught up in a political maelstrom. King Jeongjo, who inherited the throne upon King Yeongjo’s death, renamed his father (Crown Prince Sado) Crown Prince Jangheon, and moved his tomb from the foothills of Baebongsan Mountain to Hwaseong in Gyeonggi-do in 1789 CE (13th year of King Jeongjo). The new tomb for Crown Prince Jangheon was originally called Hyeollyungwon, but in 1899 CE (36th year of King Gojong), it was elevated to Yungneung when King Gojong posthumously named Crown Prince Jangheon as Emperor Jangjo. Lady Hyegyeong, who was buried with her husband upon her passing, was also posthumously honored as “Empress Heongyeong.” Posthumously bestowing the title of a monarch serves to elevate the person’s status as king upon his death. Yungneung, built on what was considered the most auspicious plot of land in all of the Joseon Dynasty, is known for its solemn and splendid design despite the fact that it was built for a king who was only posthumously honored as a monarch. The lower part of the burial mound is a delicate folding screen engraved with lotus flowers. In front of the burial mound is a Jangmyeongdeung lantern that combines the traditional octagonal and rectangular stone Jangmyeongdeung styles. The Jangmyeongdeung lantern, which symbolically shines a light over the tomb, wards off evil spirits. This new style Jangmyeongdeung lantern at Yungneung is widely considered the most beautiful example of Jangmyeongdeung lanterns at the royal tombs of Joseon. Beyond the dense forest road to the west of Yungneung is Geolleung, the tomb of King Jeongjo and Queen Hyoui. Geolleung was originally located to the east of Yungneung, but it was relocated to its present site in 1821 CE (21st year of King Sunjo) as the new site was believed to be more auspicious. Overall, Geolleung has a similar ambiance and design to Yungneung, except for the fact that the burial mound has a balustrade that goes all the way around. When you walk through the entrance of the tomb, you will arrive at a fork in the road. The one on the right leads to Yungneung, and the one on the left leads to Geolleung. Every year, ancestral rites for Yungneung are performed in April, followed by another ritual ceremony for Geolleung in May. The forest path, which is lined by pine trees and oak trees is also perfect for a quiet walk away from the bustling city.

A dolmen is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb, usually consisting of two or more vertical megaliths supporting a large flat horizontal capstone. Also called a Jiseokmyo, dolmens were often used for burials during the bronze age. Although they are found all over the world, a large contingent of dolmens can be found across East Asia. In particular, the Korean Peninsula alone has more than 40,000 dolmens, which accounts for about half of the world's dolmens. Among the numerous dolmens in Korea, the dolmen sites in Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa are UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for the sheer concentration of dolmens, the variety of styles, and the condition in which the dolmens have been preserved. Ganghwado Island has more than 70 dolmens. One of them is the Jiseokmyo site at Bugeun-ri. Dolmens are largely divided into “table-type” dolmens and simple dolmens according to their shape. When building a table-type dolmen, stone megaliths are placed on the ground to make a stone chamber, and then a capstone is placed on top. For a simple dolmen type, stone megaliths are placed underground to make a stone chamber, a small cover stone is placed on the ground, and then a capstone is placed on top. Table-type dolmens are mostly found in the north of the Korean Peninsula, while simple dolmens are mostly found in the south. This is why dolmens are often divided into northern and southern types. The height of the Jiseokmyo in Bugeun-ri reaches 2.6m at its tallest point, and its capstone is 6.5m-long, which makes it the largest among all table-type dolmens in Korea. The capstone, which is placed on two megaliths, weighs a whopping 50 tons. The Jiseokmyo in Bugeun-ri, which has a majestic yet sophisticated design, is considered a valuable heritage in that it provides a glimpse into the prehistoric culture, technology, social structure, and spiritual world of ancient Koreans.

In Ganghwado, you will find a couple of very special places with direct ties to Dangun. One is Manisan Mountain, and the other is Ganghwa Samrangseong Fortress. Samrangseong Fortress, which is said to have been built by the three sons of Dangun, is also called Jeongjoksanseong Fortress. It served as a stronghold protecting the outskirts of Gaegyeong, the capital of Goryeo, and Hanyang, the capital of Joseon. Jeondeungsa Temple, located inside the walls of Samrangseong Fortress, is the best-known temple of Ganghwado, and records say that it was built by Ado Hwasang in 381 CE (11th year of King Sosurim). Originally, the Temple was named Jinjongsa. However, during the Goryeo Dynasty, it was renamed Jeondeungsa, meaning “to deliver Buddhist enlightenment.” Unfortunately, the Temple did suffer several fires. At one point in its history, Jeondeungsa was completely burned to the ground, but it was fully restored in 1625 CE (3rd year of King Injo). Although the Joseon Dynasty was largely anti-Buddhism, Jeondeungsa Temple was an exception - it was protected by the royal family. Inside Jeongjoksanseong Fortress, there used to be an archive that kept the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (natural treasure and UNESCO Memory of the World). In other words, Jeondeungsa Temple functioned as a guardian temple that protected the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. In 1871 CE (8th year of King Gojong), which was the final year of the Joseon Dynasty, a warehouse was built to store weapons and food, and the following year, 50 soldiers were stationed to protect the Temple. Jeondeungsa Temple, which boasts a long history dating back to the Three Kingdoms period, has a number of valuable cultural assets. Examples include the Daeungjeon Hall (treasure), which is known for its elegant curves and splendid decorations, the Jeondeungsa Jeonjong Bell (treasure), and the Wooden Seated Sakyamuni Buddha Triad, famous for its excellent craftsmanship. To the west of Jeondeungsa Temple is the Incheon Metropolitan City Monument for the Jeongjoksansago Site, where the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty were kept.

Samrangseong Fortress in Ganghwado - According to legend, the three sons of Dangun built the Fortress, which is why it was named Samrangseong. In 1660 CE (1st year of King Hyeonjong), the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, which had been stored at an archive on Manisan Mountain, were moved to Jeongjoksansasa Temple inside the Fortress, and Seonwonbogak was built to safe keep the documents. Both, however, have been lost to history, and only Jeondeungsa Temple remains.

Annals of the Joseon Dynasty at the Jeongjoksansago Archives
The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are a series of records that spans a period of 472 years (1392~1863 CE) from King Taejo to King Cheoljong (25th monarch of Joseon). Historical events were written and arranged in chronological order. The Jeongjoksansago Archive copy stored in the Gyujanggak is a vast collection with 1,187 books.

Daeungjeon Hall of Jeondeungsa Temple
The Daeungjeon Hall, which enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha Triad, is said to have been built in 1621 CE (13th year of Gwanghaegun). On the upper part of the pillars propping up the four corners, a human figure has been carved in. Legend has it that a naked figure was sculpted into the pillars to warn an old lady of her wrongdoing, who stole from the carpenter who was tasked with building the Temple.

Cheoljong Bell of Jeondeungsa Temple
The Cheoljong Bell at Jeondeungsa Temple is a steel bell brought from China during the final years of the Japanese colonial rule of Korea. When Korea won its independence, it was discovered at the military base in Bupyeong and moved to Jeondeungsa Temple, where it has been kept ever since. The bell has the typical features of a Buddhist bell made in China, and has clear differences from Korean bells.

Wooden Seated Sakyamuni Buddha Triad of Jeondeungsa Temple
This Buddha Triad was made in 1623 CE by Suyeon, who served the Buddhist community in the Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do region during the first half of the 17th century. It is a manifestation of the Buddha Triad, which ware popular nationwide in the late Joseon Dynasty period.

Ganghwa Jeongjoksansago Site is located to the west of Jeondeungsa Temple inside Jeongjoksanseong Fortress. Inside the Fortress, Jeondeungsa Temple had protected the Sago archives as its guardian temple. It kept the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and other records safe until they were moved in 1910 when the Academic Affairs Division of the Japanese Government-General of Korea was created.

King Taejo (Yi Seong-gye), who founded the Joseon Dynasty in 1392 CE, moved the capital from Gaegyeong to Hanyang in 1394 CE. In 1395 CE, the following year, he built Gyeongbokgung Palace, the first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. The Palace, which is located at the foot of Bugaksan Mountain in the north of Seoul, is known for its auspicious geography. Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, was originally called Sajeongmun, but was renamed Gwanghwamun in 1425 CE (7th year of King Sejong). Inside this imposing Palatial Gate, which feels like a symbol of the royal family’s power and authority, there are several buildings where major national ceremonies were held and offices for the king and his advisors. One of the most important structures inside Gyeongbokgung Palace was Geunjeongjeon Hall (national treasure). Geunjeongjeon, which takes up the largest area inside Gyeongbokgung, used to host important ceremonies, and it served as a symbol of the royal family as well as the central point of the entire Palace. The living spaces for king and queen were located at the rear of the Palace, and Gyeonghoeru (national treasure) was built on a pond to the west of Gyeongbokgung. Gyeonghoeru, which was used for banquets, is not only beautiful in its own right, but it is also considered the most popular place in the Palace due in large part to the elegant way it blends in with the surrounding landscape. Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was burned down in 1592 CE during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 CE, was rebuilt under the leadership of Heungseon Daewongun in 1867 CE during the reign of King Gojong. The rebuilt Gyeongbokgung Palace was much larger than when it was first built in the 14th century. Unfortunately, most of the structures inside the Palace were demolished during the Japanese colonial period except for major buildings such as Geunjeongjeon Hall and some of the larger pavilions. However, the Korean government has been restoring the lost buildings, which means Gyeongbokgung Palace will soon be restored to its former glory. Although many buildings are still disappeared, Gyeongbokgung is an important relic in that it is a royal palace that still remains in its original site.

Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace was the central building of the Palace, which served as the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, where officials were granted an audience with the king, held national ceremonies, and welcomed foreign envoys. Multiple monarchs of the early Joseon Dynasty had their crowning ceremonies inside Geunjeongjeon Hall. The name “Geunjeong” means that the “nation will prosper as long as it is led by a diligent ruler.”

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
Built on a pond to the northwest of Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion hosted banquets for national celebrations or when foreign dignitaries visited the Palace. When Gyeongbokgung Palace was first built, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion was on the smaller side. It grew in size when the pond was subsequently renovated. The Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 CE burned the Pavilion to the ground. Only the stone pillars remained for a few centuries, but in 1867 CE (4th year of King Gojong), Gyeonghoeru Pavilion was rebuilt when Gyeongbokgung Palace was fully restored.

Royal tombs of Joseon, which were built for the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, are cultural heritages that showcase ideologies of the times, funeral culture, and nature-friendly architecture and artistry of Joseon. Sites for royal tombs were chosen based on “Feng Shui” principles, but they also had to be close to Hanyang (presently Seoul). This was because of a law that mandated royal tombs to be built between 10 ri and 80 ri from the capital city. Most of the royal tombs built during the Joseon Dynasty period are concentrated in Seoul and the metropolitan area. Some, however, were built in other places such as Yeongwol in Gangwon-do and Kaesong in North Korea. Among the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, three of them are named “Jangneung.” The royal tomb of Danjong (6th monarch of Joseon) in Yeongwol, the tombs of King Injo (16th monarch of Joseon) and Queen Inyeol in Paju, and the tombs of King Wonjong and Queen Inheon in Gimpo are all called Jangneung. King Wonjong, who was buried in Gimpo, was the son of King Seonjo (14th monarch of Joseon) and the father of King Injo (16th monarch of Joseon). During the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 CE, he was named to the Hoseong order of meritorious men for serving King Seonjo. But he passed away in 1619 CE (11th year of Gwanghaegun) without ascending to the throne. After King Injo took the throne, Wonjong was posthumously named Daewongun, and in 1632 CE (10th year of King Injo) he was honored as king after some controversy in the royal court. Jangneung Royal Tomb in Gimpo, located at the foot of Jangneungsan Mountain, has two burial mounds - one for the king and the other for the queen. From the front, the burial mound on the left belongs to King Wonjong and the mound on the right belongs to Queen Inheon. Given how other royal tombs were built for monarchs honored posthumously, the tombs have no stone folding screens or balustrades. Royal tombs of Joseon are known for the way they blend in with their surroundings, and Jangneung Royal Tomb is no exception - it boasts exquisite harmony with the beautiful surrounding scenery.

Jongmyo Shrine is dedicated to the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, as well as members of the royal family posthumously honored as monarchs. Construction began in 1394 CE (3rd year of King Taejo) and was completed the following year. Given its roots in Confucianism, the Joseon Dynasty placed great importance on performing ancestral rites. Since faithfully following Confucian rites was directly related to the authority and righteousness of the royal family, one of the first things King Taejo (Yi Seong-gye) did was to commission the Jongmyo Shrine. Not surprisingly, Jongmyo served both as a symbol of the nation and a sacred sanctuary that gave legitimacy to the royal family. The Jeongjeon (treasure) at Jongmyo, which is the main venue where ancestral rituals were performed, enshrines the past monarchs of Joseon. It is also the longest stand-alone wooden building in Korea. When it was first built, Jongmyo Shrine was a modest structure. Over the years, however, structures were added adjacent to the original building as more space was required. Meanwhile, the four direct ancestors of King Taejo as well as kings and queens who were not enshrined in Jeongjeon, are enshrined in a separate building, Yeongnyeongjeon (treasure). The simple and modest building preserved in its original form exudes a sense of understated beauty, and the rituals performed inside Jongmyo are called Jongmyo Jerye (national intangible cultural heritage and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage). Jongmyo Jerye, also called the “Daeje,” is a solemn ritual held in strict compliance with traditional Confucian protocols. The music played during the Jerye ceremony is called the Jongmyo Jeryeak (national intangible cultural heritage and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage). The music, which combines music, song, and dance, is unique in that it is the music of the royal court preserved in its original form and that it represents the unique cultural characteristics of Korea as a nation.

Early in the Joseon Dynasty period, Jongmyo Jeongjeon enshrined the four direct ancestors of King Taejo (his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather). However, it ultimately became a shrine for the four direct ancestors of the reigning monarch and past kings and queens of Joseon of great merit and reputation. Jongmyo, along with Sajikdan where rituals dedicated to the gods of land and grain were performed, is considered the most important ceremonial venue of the Joseon Dynasty.

Jongmyo Yeongnyeongjeon sits to the northwest of Jeongjeon. Today, it enshrines the four direct ancestors of King Taejo as well as the kings and queens who no longer have a place inside Jeongjeon.

Jongmyo Jerye, also known as Daeje, refers to the ritual ceremonies held at Jongmyo Shrine. Jongmyo Jerye is divided into regular rituals and special rituals. Regular rituals were held in January, April, July, and October (i.e. first months of the four seasons), whereas special rituals were held whenever the country would go through great success or tragedy. Since Korea gained independence in 1945, Jongmyo Jerye rituals have been held on the first Sunday of May every year.

Also known as Jongmyoak, Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to music performed during the Jongmyo Jerye. It features dance, song, and instrumental music. Jongmyo Jeryeak was originally created in 1447 CE (29th year of King Sejong) to be used for royal ceremonies. It received an update in 1464 CE (10th year of King Sejo) to suit ancestral rites at the Joseon court.