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Jongmyo Jeryeak: The Majestic Melody of the 500-Year Joseon Dynasty
2026-06-29

Jongmyo Jeryeak: The Majestic Melody of the 500-Year Joseon Dynasty

Jongmyo Jeryeak, the royal ancestral shrine music performed during ancestral rites at Jongmyo Shrine, is a comprehensive art form where instrumental music, song, and dance are perfectly synchronized. Initially drafted by King Sejong and completed under King Sejo, this majestic music praises the civil virtues and martial exploits of ancestors while praying for the nation's peace and prosperity. Preserved in its original form for over 500 years, it is designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.