Why Koreans Still Perform Jesa in a Digital Age

A Ritual Rooted in Time Yet Facing the Future

South Korea is globally recognized as one of the most technologically advanced nations. With innovations like AI-driven infrastructure, 5G networks, and an ever-expanding digital economy, Korea is often seen as a model for modern living. Yet, within the walls of high-rise apartments and behind the screens of the latest smartphones, a ritual persists that dates back centuries: Jesa, the ancestral rite of remembrance.

 

In an age where convenience often replaces tradition, and automation takes over manual tasks, the continued relevance of Jesa may appear puzzling. But this ritual is not merely about formality or habit. Jesa, for many Koreans, is a tangible link to their identity, values, and sense of belonging. This article delves deep into the reasons why Jesa remains vital in modern Korea, examining its spiritual, cultural, and emotional significance—and how it has evolved without losing its essence.

 

The Historical Foundations of Jesa

To understand Jesa’s resilience, one must first appreciate its historical depth. Jesa is not a minor custom—it is a cornerstone of Korean ancestral rituals, deeply embedded in Confucian philosophy, which dominated Korea during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Confucianism emphasized hierarchy, family order, and respect for one's elders and ancestors.

 

In traditional Korean society, family was not just a social unit but a spiritual lineage. Ancestors were believed to continue influencing the lives of their descendants. Failing to honor them could invite misfortune, while proper reverence was believed to bring blessings. This worldview is where Jesa was born—not merely as a ritual, but as an essential practice of social harmony and cosmic balance.

 

While the political and legal authority of Confucianism has long faded, its cultural roots remain strong, particularly in rituals like Jesa.

 

 

Ritual in Detail: What Happens During Jesa

A typical Jesa ceremony involves carefully structured steps that are not arbitrary, but rich in symbolism. Food is arranged in specific positions according to generations and categories—grains, meats, fruits, and sweets each have their designated spots. The family altar often includes wooden tablets or framed photographs of deceased ancestors. Incense is lit. Ritual bows are performed, typically by the male members of the household, although modern practices are more inclusive.

 

One key feature of Jesa is its ceremonial table, known as "jesasang," which acts as both a symbolic and literal space where the living and the dead temporarily meet. The ritual is usually conducted late at night or early in the morning, reinforcing the solemnity and liminality of the act.

 

While it may look like a family dinner to outsiders, Jesa is more akin to a deeply spiritual performance, where time collapses and memory becomes tangible.

 

Jesa and Filial Piety: A Cultural Constant

At the heart of Jesa lies the principle of filial piety, or hyo in Korean. This virtue, central to Confucian ethics, dictates that children must respect, care for, and honor their parents and ancestors. Unlike in the West, where individuality often takes precedence, Korean culture still emphasizes family cohesion and interdependence.

 

Performing Jesa is one of the most visible expressions of hyo. It is a yearly or seasonal act of gratitude and remembrance. In Korean culture, this virtue is so ingrained that even non-religious individuals participate in Jesa, not out of superstition but out of respect.

 

While urban life and global values have diluted many traditional beliefs, filial piety in Korean society continues to thrive, precisely because it is enacted through rituals like Jesa. The ritual becomes a behavioral anchor, a scheduled reminder that even in a world of endless scrolling and constant noise, some things deserve silence and reflection.

 

Modern Adaptations of an Ancient Ritual

In a rapidly modernizing country, Jesa has not remained untouched. Instead of vanishing, it has adapted creatively to new realities.

 

Today, many urban families order pre-packaged Jesa food sets online, complete with ritual guides and even customizable ancestor name tags. Some rent compact mobile altars, ideal for apartment settings. Families separated by distance use video calls to "attend" Jesa together, maintaining the ritual's integrity despite physical separation.

 

Even the roles are shifting. Traditionally, men performed the ritual while women prepared the food. However, modern households often rotate responsibilities, and gender roles are increasingly fluid. This is especially true among younger generations who still wish to maintain cultural continuity without perpetuating outdated norms.

 

Interestingly, these changes have not diluted Jesa’s meaning. Instead, they have reinforced it by making it more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for modern life.

The Intergenerational Divide: Conflict and Compromise

Despite its adaptability, Jesa is not without controversy. In many families, especially among younger Koreans, questions arise: Is Jesa still relevant? Is it fair? Is it even meaningful?

 

Some criticize the ritual for being patriarchal or burdensome. The preparation process can be labor-intensive and costly. For people who no longer believe in ancestral spirits, the practice may feel empty. Feminist critiques often point out that traditional gender expectations during Jesa—where women cook and clean but don’t lead—reflect outdated values.

 

Yet rather than abandon the ritual, many families compromise. They shorten the ceremony, share duties, and reframe the ritual as a time for storytelling and family bonding. Some replace prayers with personal letters to ancestors, or invite all family members, regardless of age or gender, to lead the process.

 

These adaptations show that Jesa is not a static tradition—it is a living, breathing cultural practice capable of growth and reinterpretation.

 

The Role of Technology: Jesa in the Digital Realm

One of the most fascinating aspects of contemporary Jesa is its relationship with technology. South Korea's digital ecosystem has allowed Jesa to transcend physical limitations.

 

AR and VR tools are being developed to simulate ancestral shrines. Blockchain is used to verify genealogical records and ensure continuity of family trees. Some online platforms even offer virtual memorial services, allowing descendants to “visit” a digital altar.

 

However, despite this technological shift, the sensory and emotional weight of traditional Jesa remains irreplaceable. The act of bowing, the smell of incense, the sight of carefully arranged dishes—these physical elements cannot be digitized. They are part of what makes Jesa spiritually resonant.

 

Technology may assist, but it cannot replicate the experience. In this way, digital Jesa complements rather than replaces the traditional form.

 

The Psychological Importance of Jesa: Memory, Identity, and Grief

Jesa is not only a cultural or religious event—it also serves a deeply psychological function for many Koreans. In a world where death is often sanitized or hidden, Jesa provides a structured way to process grief and continue connection with the deceased. While Western models of mourning often center on “letting go,” Jesa encourages active remembrance.

 

Moreover, rituals help stabilize identity during periods of change or crisis. In times of uncertainty, Jesa becomes an emotional anchor. Even younger generations who are not particularly spiritual often report feeling more “centered” or “at peace” after participating in the ritual. The act of pausing to prepare food, light incense, and bow deeply is both meditative and symbolic.

 

In this way, Jesa functions not only as a cultural script but also as a form of psychological self-care, made even more essential in the modern, hyper-speed lifestyle of South Korea.

 

Jesa and Social Cohesion in a Fragmented Society

Modern South Korean society is facing a quiet but growing crisis of social atomization. Rising numbers of one-person households, declining marriage and birth rates, and intense urban individualism are weakening traditional support structures. In such an environment, rituals like Jesa offer rare opportunities for intergenerational dialogue and physical gathering.

 

Jesa often serves as a more neutral ground—a ritual space that is neither a party nor an obligation, but something in between. Preparing food together, sharing memories of the deceased, or even disagreeing about the ritual’s relevance can become forms of connection.

 

In this sense, Jesa is a rare mechanism for preserving social capital in a society increasingly dominated by screens and solitude.

 

Jesa’s Role in Korean Diaspora Communities

Another often overlooked aspect of Jesa is its function as a cultural transmitter among Koreans living abroad. Whether in the United States, Canada, or Southeast Asia, Korean diaspora communities have found ways to keep the ritual alive.

 

For second-generation Korean immigrants, Jesa can serve as a key introduction to their heritage. In multicultural societies, Jesa offers an opportunity to explore one’s identity in a tangible way. It's one thing to learn about your culture through books or K-dramas, and another to physically participate in a ritual your ancestors performed.

 

Moreover, diaspora Jesa often becomes a hybridized form, blending Korean practices with local traditions, which reflects the adaptive nature of Korean culture itself.

 

The Philosophical Future: Post-Human Jesa?

As we move into an era dominated by artificial intelligence and virtual reality, a provocative question arises: what will Jesa look like in the post-human future?

 

Could AI avatars of deceased ancestors lead future Jesa ceremonies? Could families interact with holographic memorials generated from past data? Some Korean startups are already experimenting with digital immortality projects, using AI to recreate personalities from voice and video data.

 

Of course, many Koreans may reject such shifts, arguing that the human element—emotion, effort, presence—is irreplaceable. Yet even imagining such futures reflects Jesa’s enduring relevance.

 

Jesa’s Timeless Relevance

Jesa has survived war, colonization, industrialization, and digitization. Its endurance is not accidental—it is a testament to its flexibility, emotional resonance, and cultural depth.

 

As Korea moves further into a digital future, Jesa will likely continue to evolve. But its core message—honor your past, connect with your lineage, and remember who you are—remains deeply human.