A Study on Cultural and Historical Characteristics of Jongmyo Shrine and Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite as a UNESCO World Heritage

In this study, Jongmyo shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite, which have been selected as masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, are inquired into their cultural and historical values through literature research and field investigation. Jongmyo Shrine and Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite, which is a sacrifice held at Jongmyo Shrine, are unique cultural properties where people are allowed to enjoy Memory of the World in both tangible and intangible forms. However, statement of tourism promotion with a systematic publicity is still insufficient. Therefore, it is undeniable that splendid cultural assets, Jongmyo shrine and Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Rite, have been estimated inappropriately despite their values. In order to utilize them as better revitalized cultural resources, which are to be contributed to culture and tourism business, it is necessary to not only ensure support from the government but to establish cultural identity of individual about nation? cultural properties, and also protection and tradition of heritages are needed.