A Study on the Roof of Jongmyo Shrine

The origami architectural language can be found on the roofs of traditional Korean architecture: the Jongmyo Shrine.

Jongmyo is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved. Dedicated to the forefathers of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), the shrine has existed in its present form since the 16th century and houses tablets bearing the teachings of members of the former royal family. Ritual ceremonies linking music, song and dance still take place there, perpetuating a tradition that goes back to the 14th century.

Built in 1394 by King Taejo, the Jongmyo is believed to be the oldest Confucian sanctuary and the world’s longest single wooden structure, measuring 109 metres in length.