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Jongmyo Shrine, Seoul

4.2
World heritage site · Religious Site · Hidden Gem · Historic Site
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Visit the World Heritage Site of Jongmyo Shrine, an ancient Confucian shrine that holds traditional memorial services for royals of the Joseon dynasty. Erected in 1394, it was ruined in the Japanese invasions before being rebuilt in 1608. The well-preserved shrine still conducts elaborate rituals and performances that were established in the 14th century, involving the summoning of ancestral spirits. Take a tour of the spacious, austere building, available in English at scheduled times, to learn more about the shrine’s history and its role in South Korean culture. Plan to see Jongmyo Shrine and other attractions that appeal to you using our Seoul driving holiday planner.
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Jongmyo Shrine reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
739 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • We did a guided tour with Claire and it was one of my favourites in Seoul. It's a must for people interested in history and Confucianism. 
    We did a guided tour with Claire and it was one of my favourites in Seoul. It's a must for people interested in history and Confucianism.  more »
  • Beautiful place and peaceful with lot of nature, We went during a sunny/cloudy day, very nice weather for visiting. It’s a good things to do ~ 
    Beautiful place and peaceful with lot of nature, We went during a sunny/cloudy day, very nice weather for visiting. It’s a good things to do ~  more »
  • I would say only go if your really into history or learning. This is religious, mystical and for those that are interested in the significance of the shrine. Don't go if your expecting to see 'pretty....  more
    I would say only go if your really into history or learning. This is religious, mystical and for those that are interested in the significance of the shrine. Don't go if your expecting to see 'pretty....  more »
Google
  • The place where the spirit tablets of the old kings and queens are held. However, the main building is under construction so that one is not accessible. There are guided tours at specific hours and the entrance fee is a thousand won. Good explanation of the guide! Reminder: Don't walk on the middle part!!
  • Beautiful park, very nice to walk around and check out the Shrine and the plants in the park. We were there around 4pm and it was just right, not too sunny and not too cold. The park close at around 6pm, so make sure to keep an eye out for time. Nice park to take your family for a walk, run or bike ride.
  • Under renovation! Weekdays can only tour with guides. Still a great experience but main building was under renovation so was off limits, but tickets were fairly cheap at 1,000₩
  • Jongmyo shrine is now under a restoration process, so there's not much to see now - the reconstruction should take until 06/2024. The park and the Yeongnyeongjeon (Hall of Eternal Peace) are still accessible for a walk for 1000 ₩.
  • The only problem in this vicinity is that you are forced into guided tours on weekdays. But for the price (1000 KRW, so less than a dollar US) it's a bargain. You get a nice 1 hourish tour with a good guide, she did provide a lot of details and was friendly.

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