Jongmyo Shrine was the primary place of worship for kings and their queens throughout the Joseon dynasty. The compound is composed of various buildings in addition to the main hall. The shrine was built at the same time as Gyeongbokgung Palace, under the orders of King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon dynasty. The shrine is the site of the royal memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, a national event that has been passed down since the Three Kingdoms period. The shrine was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site on December 9, 1995, for its well-preserved ancient customs, such as memorial services and traditional music, which are designated National Intangible Cultural Asset. During the Joseon dynasty, the ritual was held on the first month of a seasonal change and the twelfth month of the lunar year, but was stopped during the Japanese colonial period. Now, it is annually reenacted on the first Sunday of May. Jongmyo Jaeryeak, the musical part of the ceremony, is produced by instruments, songs, and dances that originated over 500 years ago.
information
- Tour Course Information Course 1 For 200 People Or Less Br Main Gate - King Gongmin Shrine Mangmyoru Pavilion Hyangdaecheong Jaegung Palace Jeongjeon Hall Yeongnyeongjeon Akgongcheong Main 2 More Than
- Restrooms Available
- Admission Fees Individuals - Adults 1 000 Won Children 500 Br Ages 19-64 7-18 Free Admission Id Required Preschoolers 6 Younger Senior Citizens 65 Older Visitors Wearing Hanbok
- Available Facilities Benches Public Telephone Wheelchair Stroller Rental
- Interpretation Services Offered Guided Tours Br English - 10 00 12 14 16 Japanese 09 40 11 13 15 Mar-sep Chinese Strong Reservation Required Via Official Website Except For Saturdays Up To 300 People Per Session Korean Nationals May Join A Foreign Language Guided Tour When Accompanying International Visitors. In Is Only Offered From March September
- World Cultural Heritage 1
- Inquiry and guidance 82-2-765-0195 Br 82-2-2174-3636
- Parking facilities Not Available Use Paid Parking Lot Of Park In Front Shrine
- Rest day Tuesdays
- Hours of operation Guided Tours Hours Vary By Offered Language Br General Viewing Saturdays Last Wednesday Of Each Month February-may September-october 09 00-18 00 June-august 30 November-january 00-17 Last Admission 1 Hour Before Closing
location
157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul