Jongmyo is the royal ancestral shrine that houses the spirit tablets of the Joseon Dynasty monarchs and their queens, and it served as the basis of legitimacy for the royal household and its traditions. After the Joseon Dynasty was established and the seat of government was transferred to Seoul, Jongmyo was the first building that was surveyed and constructed. Important political and social events that took place throughout the Joseon Dynasty were informed to the spirits in Jongmyo.

Joseon monarchs performed ceremonial rites at Jongmyo to pay respect to the virtuous deeds of their predecessors, to express gratitude to their forefathers, and to pray for the prosperity and continuity of the royal line. Also, Jongmyo rites were performed to educate Joseon people and were served as a model of Confucianism, the ruling ideology of the Joseon period, based on loyalty and filial piety.

Jongmyo is a historical rarity in the world as it is the most authentic Confucian royal shrine kept in its original form since the 16th century. Additionally, the Royal Ancestral Rite and the Ritual Music of Jongmyo are Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Korea that have been passed down intact for over 500years and continue to be performed annually today. UNESCO has recognized Jongmyo’s importance by designating it as a World Heritage Site, and they have also proclaimed the Royal Ancestral Rite and Ritual Music performed at Jongmyo as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.