Step into a timeless realm this spring at the Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, where tradition, music, and dance converge under the night sky. From April 24 to May 2, 2025, the highly anticipated Jongmyo Jeryeak Night Performance returns with a breathtaking showcase of Korea’s royal ceremonial music.
This rare event allows visitors to experience the sacred Jongmyo Shrine after dark, illuminated with ambient lighting that brings new life to the centuries-old rituals of the Joseon Dynasty.
What is Jongmyo Jeryeak?
Jongmyo Jeryeak is a traditional royal ceremonial performance consisting of music (ak), song (ga), and dance (mu), originally held to honor the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty during ancestral rites at Jongmyo Shrine.
It is not just a performance—it’s a complete ritual art form that represents Korea’s deep Confucian and musical heritage. In recognition of its historical and artistic value, it was designated a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.
Highlights of the 2025 Jongmyo Jeryeak Night Performance
✔️ A Rare Nighttime Opening
Jongmyo Shrine is typically not open to the public after dark, making this event a unique chance to explore the site in a whole new light—literally.
✔️ Traditional Music & Court Dance under the Moonlight
Enjoy a synchronized blend of solemn music and elegant choreography, performed by trained artists in traditional hanbok (Korean attire), set against the tranquil backdrop of Jongmyo’s ancient halls.
✔️ Modern Lighting Meets Royal Rituals
Thoughtfully designed lighting will enhance the mood and amplify the graceful yet powerful movements of the performers, transforming the shrine into a majestic open-air theater.
✔️ A Moment of Stillness in the City
Escape the noise of modern life and immerse yourself in the dignified ambiance of royal Korean heritage, wrapped in music that echoes through the stone courtyards of history.
📍 Event Information
- Event Name: 2025 Jongmyo Jeryeak Night Performance
- Location: Jongmyo Shrine, 157 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Dates: April 24 (Thu) – May 2 (Fri), 2025
- Admission: 20,000 KRW (Paid entry)
- Tickets & Info:
🔗 Official Website
Phone Inquiry: +82-1522-2295 - Hosted by: Cultural Heritage Administration (Royal Palaces and Tombs Center)
- Organized by: Korea Heritage Service
Experience the Spiritual Beauty of Jongmyo by Night
Beneath the soft glow of lights and the rhythmic echo of drums, you’ll witness an extraordinary performance rooted in Korea’s royal past. The Jongmyo Jeryeak Night Performance is more than a concert—it’s a spiritual journey, a cultural awakening, and a rare invitation into the sacred world of Korea’s dynastic legacy.
📌 Reserve your seat now and step into the silence, music, and majesty of the night at Jongmyo.
🎟️ Book Tickets & Learn More