Jongmyo Shrine

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Jongmyo Shrine

Published Date : Apr 14, 2014 / Edited Date : Oct 07, 2024

Jongmyo is a royal shrine dedicated to the performance of ancestral rites for the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Being the place where the royal ancestral tablets are enshrined, Jongmyo's atmosphere is solemn and sacred rather than splendid like the royal palaces. The simple and elegant buildings of this shrine have faithfully kept their original forms since the 16th century. Jongmyo is made up of Jeongjeon (the main hall), Yeongnyeongjeon (the hall of eternal peace), and auxiliary buildings such as Jeonsacheong, Eosuksil, Hyangdaecheong and Sindang. Jeongjeon, the main hall of Jongmyo, is a place steeped in royal history and is highly esteemed for its outstanding architecture. It is said to be the world's longest single wooden structure with a length measures 109 meters. The main hall is an outstanding example of traditional Korean architecture. Jongmyo was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site together with Jongmyo Jerye and Jongmyo Jeryeak. Jongmyo Jerye is the royal ancestral ritual and has been performed for 600 years. The court music performed during the ritual is the Jongmyo Jeryeak.

Phone: +82-2-765-0195

Website: View Website

Website Language: KOR,ENG,JPN, CHN

Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday to Friday: Timed Tours (Enter at designated times, accompanied by a guide, and exit together as a group)
- Korean Guided Tour Times: 9:20 / 10:20 / 11:20 / 12:20 / 13:20 / 14:20 / 15:20 / 16:20 / (March to September) 16:40 *Duration: 1 hour
- English Guided Tour Times: 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00
- Japanese Guided Tour Times: 09:30 / 11:40 / 13:40 / 15:40
- Chinese Guided Tour Times: 11:00 / 15:00

Regular Admission on Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays, and the last Wednesday of every month:
- February to May, September to October: 09:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:00)
- June to August: 09:00-18:30 (Last entry at 17:30)
- November to January: 09:30-17:30 (Last entry at 16:30)
(※ Please refer to the website for detailed information.)

Holidays: Tuesdays

Facilities for the Disabled: Accessible Restrooms; Accessible Pathways; Accessible Information Centers & Services(Wheelchair rentals, etc.)

Important: - Maximum of 200 visitors per tour
- Must present reservation confirmation to purchase tickets
- If tickets are not purchased by the entry time after reservation, the reservation will be automatically canceled
- Koreans are not allowed to enter during foreign language guided tour times
- Currently, access to Jongmyo Shrine's Main Hall is restricted due to restoration work (until the second half of 2024)

Fee: KRW 1,000

Address: 03135 157, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Transportation: Subway Lines 1/3/5, Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 8 (220m, 3-minute walk)

See map

Directions Details

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Tripadvisor Reviews

Traveler Rating Rating:4.0 (Based on 749 Traveler)

Latest 5 reviews of Jongmyo Shrine

Beautiful shrine

I visited the shrine in the morning time. It was not crowded and peaceful. The stuctures are well preserved and beautiful. One dissappointment is that the main shrine is now in restoration work and...

ManngaDua 2024-08-09
Wouldn't say it's a must but peaceful and informative tour during the week

During the week you cannot freely visit the Jongmyo Shrine and will have to join a tour as part of the ticket. There are different languages for different times. On the weekedn you can freely explore...

TIersHasie 2024-07-16
Lovely Shrine

The English language tour was very interesting and informative. The site is beautiful and peaceful. I would recommend it to gain insight into Korean history

Y9375UFleslies 2024-06-02
Resting place for the Joseon royals

As of May 27, 2024, the main shrine is still under renovation. There are several slots for the English-guided tours. Our tour guide was really funny and very enthusiastic. She provided really good...

cristoph2010 2024-05-27
Main building of significance closed

This is the royal grounds for burials. The main building is closed and covered for reconstruction. If still closed, pass on visiting.

Scott R 2024-05-26
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