54th Rites Scheduled for Joseon′s Royal Tombs

54th Rites Scheduled for Joseon's Royal Tombs: Travel / 연합뉴스 / 2025-01-10 14:42:58

▲ This photo, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, shows a scene from last year’s memorial rite at Geonwolleung within Donggureung, Guri. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Yonhap) -- The Cultural Heritage Administration's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center announced on Friday that it will host the 54th memorial rites at the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty this year.

This traditional event is held in collaboration with the Jeonju Yi Clan Association.

These memorial rites, known as Jehyang, are ceremonies honoring the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty and the emperors and empresses of the Korean Empire.

The tradition has been upheld for over 600 years, with a brief interruption of about a decade following Korea's liberation in 1945. The rites resumed in 1957, starting with the ceremony at Geonwolleung, the tomb of King Taejo (r. 1392–1398).

As a prominent example of royal ancestral rituals, the Jehyang ceremonies contributed to the inscription of the Joseon Royal Tombs as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, highlighting their value as a unique aspect of Korea's traditional culture.

The first rite of this year's schedule will take place on January 14 at Gongneung in Samneung, Paju, in honor of Queen Jangsun, the first wife of King Yejong (r. 1468–1469).

On the 16th, a ceremony will be held at Yereung in Seosamneung, Goyang, to pay respects to Queen Cheorin, wife of King Cheoljong (r. 1849–1863). On the 21st, a memorial rite for King Gojong (r. 1863–1907) will be conducted at Hongneung in Namyangju.

The ceremonies start at 11:30 a.m. (or 11:00 a.m. during the summer season) and can be observed by visitors arriving before the start time. For detailed information, visit the official website of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center (royal.khs.go.kr).