Jongmyo Shrine

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Jongmyo Shrine from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Analysis of Material Properties of Wallpaper and Blue-dyed Paper Used for Banja Ceiling at Main Hall of Jongmyo Shrine

  Researchers have identified the use of natural indigo, specifically 'Jjok', as the blue dye on wallpaper and ceiling paper at Jongmyo Shrine's Jeongjeon Hall during the Joseon Dynasty. The study analyzed 24 specimens from four chambers, revealing that the paper was made from bast fiber with consistent physical properties: basis weight of 65.4 g/m², thickness of 0.1523 mm, and density of 0.4428 g/cm³. Additionally, a lotus flower pattern and swastika design were discovered during layer separation. The blue dye was confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy and gas chromatography (GC), providing new insights into the material culture and craftsmanship of the period.

  Kim, J. W., & Jeong, S. H. (2024). Analysis of Material Properties of Wallpaper and Blue-dyed Paper Used for Banja Ceiling at Main Hall of Jongmyo Shrine. Journal of Conservation Science, 40(1), 48–59. https://doi.org/10.12654/jcs.2024.40.1.04

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• A Study on the Arrangement of Music and Ritual Procedures for Jongmyo Shrine in the early Joseon Dynasty

  Research reveals that the ritual procedures and musical arrangements for Jongmyo Shrine during the early Joseon Dynasty were not merely adaptations of existing systems but represented a distinct Korean synthesis. The study demonstrates how the Joseon court, constrained by neither the Chinese imperial rituals nor the Goryeo traditions, developed its own unique form of Confucian rites centered on ancestor worship. A key finding is that musical elements, particularly the new 'sinak' (new music) introduced under King Sejong, played a crucial role in defining this distinctiveness. The integration of ritual procedures and music, culminating in the standardized forms documented in the 'Gugjo Oryeui,' achieved both cultural differentiation from China and Goryeo while embodying universal Confucian principles. This study underscores the innovative process through which the Joseon Dynasty established its own ritual and musical traditions, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Korean ceremonial practices.

  Kang, J.-H. (2022). A Study on the Arrangement of Music and Ritual Procedures for Jongmyo Shrine in the early Joseon Dynasty. The Journal for the Studies of Korean History, 86, 117–159. https://doi.org/10.21490/jskh.2022.2.86.117

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• Royal religiosity: Confucian thoughts in Joseon Jongmyo shrine

  Joseon Jongmyo Shrine embodies Confucian values through its rituals, music, and architecture, reflecting the dynasty's intellectual thought. The study reveals how Neo-Confucianism shaped royal religiosity in early modern Korea, emphasizing concepts like filial piety (孝), loyalty (忠), and the Samjae philosophy (三才思想). By analyzing Jongmyo Jerye rituals, musical performances (Jerye-ak), and architectural elements, the research demonstrates how these traditions were creatively reinterpreted to serve as a state shrine. The findings highlight the enduring influence of Chinese philosophical traditions on Korean culture and governance during the Joseon dynasty.

  Kim, D. W., & Bang, W.-I. (2021). Royal religiosity: Confucian thoughts in Joseon Jongmyo shrine. Cogent Social Sciences, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2021.1970426

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• The Era name enactment of King Jeonji of Baekje and Jongmyo Shrine

  Archaeological evidence suggests that Jongmyo Shrine, associated with King Jeonji of Baekje, was established in the early 5th century (around 408 CE) as part of a political strategy to stabilize royal power and assert cultural identity. Unlike Goryeo and Silla, which had clear records of ancestral shrines, Baekje's adoption of the 'Jongmyo' system—centered on ancestor worship—was inferred from fragmented historical texts. Excavations at the Windack Fortress in Seoul revealed ritualistic structures, including a well (206-ho) containing pottery shards with damage patterns typical of ceremonial use. These artifacts, dating to the early 5th century, imply that Jongmyo served as a unifying symbol for Baekje's central and regional elites, reinforcing loyalty through shared rituals involving local produce like peach pits, symbolizing prosperity. The study bridges historical gaps by linking textual records with material culture, offering new insights into Baekje's political and religious landscape during its transition period.

  Moon, D. (2021). The Era name enactment of King Jeonji of Baekje and Jongmyo Shrine. The Paek-San Society, 121, 179–204. https://doi.org/10.52557/tpsh.2021.121.179

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• The King Gongmin Shrine and Subok at the Joseon Jongmyo Shrine

  Research clarifies the role and management of the King Gongmin Shrine (공민왕 신당) within the Joseon Dynasty's Jongmyo Shrine, revealing that its operations were overseen by a distinct group known as 'subok' (守僕). Contrary to prior assumptions, this shrine was not merely a type of 'bugundang' (府君堂), but functioned independently with annual rituals and monthly offerings. The study leverages colonial-era documents, including the 'Jongmyo Ilji' (宗廟日誌) and 'Daebang Hagui' (大房下記), to reconstruct its ceremonial practices and financial records, providing insights into both public duties—such as shrine maintenance and ritual preparations—and private rituals that strengthened communal bonds. Additionally, it identifies the subok's organizational structure through the 'Banghun' (房憲) and their exclusion from formal roles within Jongmyo, highlighting their unique position in maintaining both administrative and spiritual cohesion.

  Lee, W. (2021). The King Gongmin Shrine and Subok at the Joseon Jongmyo Shrine. The Critical Review of Religion and Culture, 40, 219–258. https://doi.org/10.36429/crrc.40.7

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• Pursuit of a sustainable tourism policy by connecting historical sites and ancient conventions in Seoul

  A sustainable tourism model for Seoul's historical sites, particularly Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and Sajikdan Altar, was proposed by integrating the king of Joseon's ceremonial walk with jikso activities—a direct appeal system. This approach aims to bridge gaps in historical narrative, enhancing visitor engagement while preserving cultural heritage. The study utilized the Smart Seoul Map to analyze site distribution and influence, identifying key areas for recreating historical scenes that link the palace, shrine, altar, and Cheonggyecheon Stream. By connecting these elements, the research suggests a framework for developing large-scale historical content that fosters urban culture while sustaining Seoul's historical integrity.

  JONG OH, L. (2019). Pursuit of a sustainable tourism policy by connecting historical sites and ancient conventions in Seoul. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 6(11), 45–64. https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.611.7337

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• The Study about Destruction and Reconstruction of Jongmyo Shrine during Japanese Invasion of Korea(1592)

  Jongmyo Shrine, a symbol of national identity during the Chosŏn dynasty, underwent significant destruction and reconstruction following Japan's 1592 invasion. The study reveals that while efforts were made to rebuild the shrine, financial constraints and famine delayed immediate action. Notably, debates arose over modifying the shrine's design based on ZhuXi’s theory, which ultimately did not proceed. This analysis highlights a pivotal shift in ritual understanding during the later Chosŏn period, emphasizing resilience in preserving cultural heritage amid adversity.

  Shin, J. (2018). The Study about Destruction and Reconstruction of Jongmyo Shrine during Japanese Invasion of Korea(1592). The Korean Historical Review, 240, 377–416. https://doi.org/10.16912/tkhr.2018.12.240.377

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• A Study on the Theories of Jwajowusa(左祖右社) and Jeonmyohuchim(前廟後寢) of an Ancient Jongmyo Shrine System

  A groundbreaking analysis of ancient Korean architectural principles reveals that the spatial arrangement of Jongmyo Shrine, with its 'left ancestor right land' (Jwajowusa) and 'front shrine back residence' (Jeonmyohuchim), was not merely symbolic but functionally integral to ceremonial practices. The study challenges traditional interpretations by reinterpreting these layouts—specifically, the positioning of '社稷' (land and grain deities)—as auxiliary roles supporting rituals at the main shrine rather than standalone elements. By synthesizing classical texts like the Zhou Rituals and Han-era commentaries, researchers propose two plausible models for 'Jeonmyohuchim': one where both structures coexist within a single enclosed space, and another where they represent distinct domains—political-administrative (front) and residential (back). This work bridges historical records with architectural theory, offering new insights into the functional design of ancient Korean ceremonial sites.

  Seo, J.-h. (2016). A Study on the Theories of Jwajowusa(左祖右社) and Jeonmyohuchim(前廟後寢) of an Ancient Jongmyo Shrine System. The Study of the Eastern Classic, 62(0), 231–262. https://doi.org/10.16880/sec.2016.62.09.231

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• A Study on the Tangibility and Intangibility Value Contents Influence Factor of Jongmyo Shrine Using Text Mining Analysis

  A text mining analysis of Jongmyo Shrine reveals that its tangible and intangible cultural values are shaped by complex, interconnected factors. Unlike traditional single-disciplinary approaches, this study identifies key elements—both physical (tangible) and non-physical (intangible)—that have historically influenced the shrine's spatial formation. The findings highlight how cultural diversity and evolving information systems challenge conventional interpretations of heritage sites, emphasizing the need for multifaceted perspectives to understand their significance. This research introduces a novel framework for interpreting traditional Korean spaces by integrating diverse content influences, offering insights applicable to broader studies on cultural heritage preservation.

  Park, E. S., & Kim, J. E. (2015). A Study on the Tangibility and Intangibility Value Contents Influence Factor of Jongmyo Shrine Using Text Mining Analysis. KOREA SCIENCE & ART FORUM, 22, 169. https://doi.org/10.17548/ksaf.2015.12.22.169

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