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

Jongmyo Shrine, Seoul

(500+ reviews on the web)

Historic Site Religious 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. Use our Seoul vacation builder to visit Jongmyo Shrine on your trip to Seoul, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

ChristineFranklin

This was the first historic, World Heritage Site I visited in Seoul. It sits in parkland giving it a tranquil feel in the midst of the busy city. We visited fairly early in the morning which may have ... more »
Xiaoxiong

The shrine is a truly serene place, which helps explain why the curators only want visitors there on guided tours (which are exceedingly good value at KRW1,000 and available without booking ahead). Ot... more »
A TripAdvisor Member

we had the guided tour in English and found it very interesting. It is an Unesco world heritage site but perhaps not easily accessible to everyone. I did not regret the visit to understand the korea s... more »

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Google

Blanca Madrigal

If you go on Sunday, you can only go in with one of the guided tours. I was glad though as the tour guide was through and easy to follow. Good walk among the trees.

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Egbert Sow

Authentic buildings from 1608 continuously expanded until early 20 th century. Closed on Tuesdays, join the guided tours at fixed timings for different languages for best visit

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Nicole Cheng

English guided tours are provided at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00 on weekdays and Sundays. Go on Saturdays or the last Wednesday of every month if you want to see the shrine without a guided tour. But you can learn more about the history of the shine through the guided tour.

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John Sia

English tours at 2pm. Excluding Saturdays. Go with a tour to make the experience more memorable and fun. Get a multi pass to the palaces and the shrine for 10,000 won. It's close to Kwang Jang market so stop into the market for brunch, gimbap and mung bean pancakes before hand for a relaxing start to the day.

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AELA M

Worth going. Not crowded unlike other spots its actually so serene and calming.

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