Jongmyo Daeje is a traditional Korean ancestral rite in which ancestors of the Joseon Dynasty are regularly commemorated. This ceremony began during the Joseon Dynasty and is held to honor past kings and queens enshrined in Jongmyo, a shrine where ancestral rites are held,. Jongmyo is located in Seoul, and the Jongmyo Daeje is held twice a year (in May and November). This ceremony has historical significance as an important ceremony to pray for the Confucian tradition of the Joseon Dynasty and the well-being of the nation.

The ceremony of Jongmyo Daeje follows strict procedures. It's conducted as a way to pay tribute to past kings and ancestors, and includes various respects and salutes depending on the ancestral rite tradition. The core of the ritual is to honor the memorial tablets of the king and queen enshrined in Jongmyo, offer food, and offer prayers. During this process, music, song, and dance are also included, which is called ‘Jongmyo Jeryeak.’ Jongmyo Daeje contains the essence of Korean tradition and is the most prestigious of all ancestral rites. Therefore, unique traditions, such as the number of participants, order, and uniform, have been maintained for a long time.

In 1995, Jongmyo Daeje was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And in 2001, both Jongmyo Daeje and Jongmyo Jeryeak were designated as UNESCO World Intangible Heritage Sites. In this way, the Jongmyo Daeje plays an important role in understanding Korean history and culture and the Confucian values ??of the Joseon Dynasty. And through Korea's traditional ancestral rites, historical continuity and national identity are maintained. In addition, Jongmyo Daeje is an important event to promote Korean traditions to the world, and many tourists visit Jongmyo every year to see this ceremony in person.