Utilization Cases and Future Tasks of Memorial Rites at the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Korean Seowon’

This study examines the intangible cultural value of the traditional Memorial Rites practiced at nine Confucian academies (Seowon) in Korea, which have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research aims to identify sustainable strategies for the preservation and transmission of these rites in contemporary society. With the enactment of the National Heritage Framework Act in 2024, the concept of heritage has expanded beyond preservation to include cultural enjoyment and creative succession. This legislative change has emphasized the role of communities and cultural bearers in safeguarding intangible heritage, thereby offering a new direction for the preservation of Memorial Rites. Although Memorial Rites are one of the core functions of Seowon, they have been relatively overlooked in academic research, which has mainly focused on education and scholarship. This study highlights Memorial Rites not simply as religious ceremonies but as cultural traditions that inherit Confucian ideals, local Neo-Confucian lineages, and educational values. Unlike institutions in China and Japan, Korean Seowon uniquely enshrine local sages, strictly excluding folk religious elements and thus preserving the pure spirit of Confucianism. The Dodonggok of Sosu Seowon, a traditional Confucian musical composition, is one such example of Korea’s unique preservation of ritual music, underscoring the exceptional heritage value of Seowon Memorial Rites in East Asia. Since 2023, the Jesa Preservation Association has been conducting literature reviews and oral history interviews to document the original structure of Memorial Rites, and has produced educational videos based on these findings. In 2024, public engagement efforts expanded with programs such as the Memorial Rite Observation Program, Memorial Rite Transmission School, and storytelling contests focused on figures commemorated at Seowon. A significant achievement has been the production of a bilingual instructional manual (in Korean and classical Chinese), which greatly improves accessibility for the general public. Memorial Rites at Seowon are divided into regular ceremonies－such as the Spring and Autumn Rites, New Year's Rite (Jeongalle), and Monthly Rites (Sanggmangrye)－and irregular ones such as Almyorye, Ianrye, and Goyurye. These rites continue to be performed with the participation of local communities. Notable shifts in practice－such as shortening the ritual preparation period or simplifying the offerings－reflect contemporary adaptation while retaining traditional integrity. This study demonstrates that Seowon Memorial Rites continue to function as a living tradition. It calls for their designation as National Intangible Cultural Heritage to ensure their systematic protection and transmission. As a unique manifestation of Korea’s Neo-Confucian culture, these rites offer a significant contribution to national cultural identity and international heritage discourse.