A Reexamination of the Temporal and Spatial Dimensions of Royal Ancestral Shrine Rites (Jongmyo) in Silla

Silla's royal ancestral rites, particularly those conducted at Jongmyo Shrine, were found to differ significantly from Chinese practices, with their scheduling and spatial organization reflecting indigenous Silla traditions. Unlike the Chinese system of four-season sacrifices, Silla's rites incorporated both regular and irregular ancestral sacrifices aligned with seasonal worship and local temporal concepts. The study also revealed distinct ritual functions for the Founder’s Shrine (Sijomyo), the Sacred Palace (Singung), and Jongmyo Shrine, which coexisted within the royal ancestral cult. Notably, the Singung retained its ritual significance even after the full establishment of the Jongmyo system. This reexamination, based on analyses of the Samguk Sagi and related sources, shifts focus from political lineage to the practical operation of these rites, offering new insights into their temporal and spatial dimensions.

Park, C. r. (2026). A Reexamination of the Temporal and Spatial Dimensions of Royal Ancestral Shrine Rites (Jongmyo) in Silla. The Journal of Korean History, 213, 39–76. https://doi.org/10.31791/jkh.2026.06.213.39