Trip Planner: Asia / South Korea / Seoul / Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo Shrine, Seoul

4.2

#11 of 73 in Historic Sites in Seoul

World heritage site · Religious Site · Hidden Gem · Historic Site

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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Tours to Jongmyo Shrine

FROM $56 BOOK WITH VIATOR Seoul Morning Heritage Tour Including Changdeokgung Palace

5.0

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from $56 »

FROM $132 BOOK WITH VIATOR World Cultural Heritage Full-day tour from Seoul including Suwon Hwaseong

4.7

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $132 »

FROM $90 BOOK WITH VIATOR Small-Group Tour of Bukchon Hanok Village

3.0

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from $90 »

Jongmyo Shrine reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

736 reviews

Google

4.5

By 205PaulT

Don't be in a hurry. Take in the video to the right of the entrance to get your bearings and then move on from there, absorbing the history and architecture. more »
By TravelerTrecker

This sanctuary is a UNESCO heritage site together with the Joseon palaces and the secret garden. The combined ticket covers the entrance to the sanctuary. It is cheap. It is far from the palaces... more »
By Culinary-Consultants

Really this is one of the few places I enjoyed in Seoul. Seoul is by far one of the cities that I don't like and it is greatly because of the coldness and lack of warmth of its people. but still we... more »

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Google

By Moonjung Cho

Very calm and peaceful. I'm korean but this time was the first time to go to Jongmyo. You can enter only allowed time except every Saturday. They close on Tuesday. You can walk with a Korean culture guide. If you enter the door, you will forget you are in Seoul because of its calmness.

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By Aishwary Kaushal

Peaceful UNESCO heritage site, with the historical place where the spirits of the past kings of Korea get down to be greeted by the royal family twice a year. a must visit place.

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By Frédéric Lebreux

A fabulous part of the Korean culture that can be visited at fixed hours with an English-speaking guide. This is the place where the spirits of the past kings of Korea get down to be greeted by the royal family twice a year. One cannot visit Seoul without seeing the two main royal palace and this place. Pay attention to the road in the site and do not walk on the lane reserved for the spirits!

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By Oliver Vence Gonzales

Make sure to plan your trip there as there are only a few guided tours a day set on certain hours. The tours are in different languages so pick which suits you and your party best. Self-guided tours inside the compound is not allowed (except Saturdays and Korea Cultural Day).

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By karolboratynski kboratynski

On weekdays and sunday only option of seeing with a guide. Same thing as by the palaces. Not worth wasting your time.

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