Pal-ilmu Dance

Jongmyo Royal Ancestor Shrine
Seoul, Korea

The line dance (Pal-ilmu, 8-line dance) at Jongmyo is conducted by 88 women, 11 to a row. It celebrates the king's civilian and military achievements. In the civilian dance, seen here, the participants carry a bamboo flute in one hand and a tasseled staff in the other. This civilian dance is called Munmu, and its musical accompaniment is Botaepyeong. In the military dance (not pictured here) the women carry swords; it is called Mumu, and the accompanying music is Jeongdaeeop. For additional information and video, see Jongmyo Daeje on the Jongmyo.net website.