Traditional days and ritual ceremonies exist throughout the globe. For example, in Western culture, people have traditionally celebrated the joys of the harvest through Thanksgiving day, or religious appreciation through Christmas. On the flip side, some cultures commemorate certain figures, such as St. Patrick’s Day. Differentiated by their origins, purposes, and modern-day values, such holidays reflect the cultural identities of the belonging societies
Korean culture, specifically, is symbolized by strong bonds between family, community, and respect for the ancestors, which originate from unique cultural traditions such as Seollal or Chuseok. Those traditions not only reinforce the family bond between immediate families and relatives but also establish respect for the ancestors. For Seollal and Chuseok, there exists a unique Korean tradition connecting ancestral reverence and collective appreciation. Such interesting aspects that pervade can best be shown by “제사.”
"Jesa" = "Memorial Service"
Confucianism, which has been the idea of governance for more than 500 years, was the foundation of strong ancestor worship and the emphasis on family bonds within Korean culture. The central tenet of Korean thought has created practices of honoring one’s ancestors, specifically through certain rituals named 제사, which was created because ancestors were believed to continue their role in the family, even after death. This aspect underlines the importance of filial piety, where family members are connected not only by blood but also by their duty to remember and honor the past.
Photo by Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
1.1: Public & Private Jesas
Korean ancestral reverence is shown at both national and individual levels. Privately held house ceremonies, for example, are very personal and, because of their religious and cultural importance, are not as accessible to others. On the other hand, national-level appreciation towards ancestors is more open and accessible: there are public places such as Seoul National Cemetery, where fallen soldiers and national heroes are respected. Unlike private ceremonies like 제사, these national memorials allow everybody — residents and tourists alike — to witness and take part in the Korean traditions of ancestral respect more openly and educationally.
1.2: Seoul National Cemetary
Photo by President Anthony Kim
The Seoul National Cemetery is the model of how Korea respectfully honors and remembers those who died for their country on a nationwide scale. The cemetery, established in 1955, had the purpose of granting a dignified place of rest for military personnel, national heroes, and other public figures who contributed greatly to the development and defense of the country. The cemetery holds immense historical and ritual significance since it symbolizes one nation’s collective memory of gratitude toward soldiers who sacrificed themselves for Korea’s freedom and prosperity. It is a place where respect is paid and not only a place of mourning, but also of learning, and where traditions and historicity are honored and cared for.
Generally, photography is allowed in the Seoul National Cemetery and places of that nature, permission, or conformity are opted to show respect. Visitors are also free to find out about Korea’s special memorial service procedure, which may include watching the one in which respects are paid using offerings and traditional prayers. This gives visitors the opportunity to catch a glimpse into the Korean way of venerating ancestors, while at the same time engaging in a moment of recollection.
Korean Confucianism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). 24 Nov. 2021,