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Jongmyo Shrine, Seoul

4.1
#10 of 47 in Historic Sites in Seoul
Monument 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. 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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  • This flower Qi Zhuang yan, Ann felt something here, may have about stub 廟 is San ling. Built with 導 Council games, want to know more about their history, spirit and culture. If you likes history, San Francisco Building, you'll happen now is worth this's popular Userboxes/Time. If it's not said, is men you want is worth.
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  • We went here on a very hot an humid July day. If you go here any other day than a Saturday you have to take a guided tour. They run every 20 minutes but are in 4 different languages so if you timing i...  more »
  • I love guide service, that shows Korean would reserve the historical place for new generations. Guide will take you around the place, for English guide time every 10AM, 12PM, 2PM and 4PM. For admissio...  more »
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  • A beautiful old traditional korean temple. It depicts the Korean traditions. Has detailed description about the religious rituals carried out in Confucianism.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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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The Seoul metropolitan area has two districts especially appealing to backpackers--Jongno just northeast of the city, and Hongdae to the west. Both offer good shopping and dining, as well as easy transport links to the rest of the city. Mid-range options may prove difficult to find in peak season (July to August), unless you don't mind staying at a traditional hanok guesthouse, where loads of character make up for any lack of amenities. Finally, a range of top-end hotels with an impressive list of services and facilities lie scattered around the city.
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