It’s Oct. 22, and we are at Chilgung (칠궁), a collection of seven shrines located behind Gyeongbokgung Palace and next to Cheong Wa Dae.

Chilgung, literally meaning seven palaces, houses the shrines of each of the seven royal concubines from Joseon times who gave birth to future kings.

Every fourth Monday in October an ancestral rite called the chilgungje (칠궁제), is held on these grounds.

Similar to the much grander jongmyo daeje (종묘대제) which takes place at the Jongmyo Shrine each May, this October ritual pays respect to the seven women who saw their sons rise to the throne.

Reporter: Lee Hana
Director: Jeon Han
Director of Photography: Kim Sunjoo