Confucianism is a moral and religious system from China started by Kongfuzi, under the Pinyin system, c.551-479 B.C., Chinese sage more commonly known as Confucius, who created sayings known as the Analects and other ancient commentaries. These moral concepts taught how to treat other people. This was similar to the Golden Rule. Confucianism, with these practical social concepts, was surpassed by Buddhism from the 3rd to 7th century A.D., Confucianism had a revival under the Tang Dynasty of China (618-907). The Song Dynasty (960-1279) developed a modified version of Confucianism, based on beliefs of Zen Buddhism and during the Ming Dynasty, under the Pinyin system, (1368-1644) meditation became a part of Confucianism. With the overthrow of the monarchy in 1911-12, Confucianism declined.

Although Confucianism was introduced to Korea during the Three Kingdoms era (57 B.C.-A.D. 668) even before Buddhism, its ideological flowering occurred later through the introduction of Neo-Confucianism during the early period of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In 1910 Japan formally annexed Korea. While under Japanese colonial rule until 1945, all of Korea's religions were suppressed.

Jongmyo was built by King T'aejo in 1395, the fourth year of his reign. Jongmyo has been used for Confucian memorial rites since that time.

Chongjon which is the main shrine is the largest wooden structure in the world. It houses 49 spirit tablets for kings and queens.

This is Yongnyongjon, the Hall of Eternal Peace, was built to house 32 ancestral tablets of lesser kings and queens. It is similar in design to Chongjon.

Each year in May rites are held. This has preserved Confucian music and dance which might otherwise have been lost.

Above: Paving which slopes to carry off rain. Beautiful paving can be seen throughout Korea.

Far left: South entrance gate to Yongnyongjon which is reserved for the spirits. The east gate is for the king and the west gate is for musicians, dancers, and officiants.

Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo Shrine was built at the same time as Gyeongbok Palace to hold the ancestral tablets for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. It has existed in its current form since the 16th century and houses tablets bearing the teachings of members of the former royal family. Since then, all but 2 of the kings and their queens are enshrined here. According to Confucian tradition, the royal family would perform elaborate rituals here 5 times each year to pay respect to their royal ancestors., Although today the Jongmyo Jerye (Royal Shrine Ritual) is performed once each year, in May (designated as Cultural Property #56). The descendents of the royal family are dressed in court costumes of the Joseon period. Ritual ceremonies linking music, song and dance still take place in a tradition that goes back to the 14th century. The rituals are accompanied by traditional court music known as Jongmyo Jerye-ak.

The Jongmyo ritual music for the royal memorial services has been designated Intangible Cultural Property #1. This music is performed during the royal ancestral rites each year at Jongmyo Shrine. It is thought that the court music was imported from China and has been used at least since the Goryo Period. King Sejong composed new music in 1447 for use at royal banquets and parties. A shortened version that is used in ancestral rituals was composed in 1462. The work entitled Pot'aep'yong memorialized the civil merits of past monarchs while Chongdaeop praised their military prowess. The music is accompanied by highly ritualized dance and lyrics. The royal ancestral memorial rites of Jongmyo have helped many rare musical instruments and their music survive.