Jongmyodaeje (Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite of Joseon) (종묘대제)

554.7M 2022-10-05

157, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3210-4806, +82-2-6011-1067

Jongmyodaeje, Korea’s Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite, is a traditional ritual that has been recognized with many important designations. It is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 56 (Jongmyo Jerye), and Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 1 (Jongmyo Jeryeak). The ritual is held yearly on the first Sunday of May. It begins with eogahaengnyeol, the fabulous royal parade dating from the Joseon dynasy, which is truly a sight to behold as it moves through the modern city.

Jongmyodaeje originated as a royal ancestral ritual to honor the past kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty. During the Joseon era, the ritual was held five times a year (spring, summer, autumn, winter, and December) until it was abolished by Japanese colonial rule. In 1969, Jongmyodaeje was reinstated and has been held in May every year since.

Jongmyo Shrine, the destination of the procession, was the setting of ceremonial rituals during the Joseon dynasty. Originally, Jongmyo only referred to Jeongjeon (Main Hall) where the memorial tablets of Joseon’s reigning kings and queens are enshrined. Today, however, Jongmyo also encompasses Yeongnyeongjeon (Hall of Eternal Peace) where the tablets of posthumous kings and queens are enshrined and Gongsindang (Hall of Meritorious Subjects) where the tablets of esteemed ministers of the state are kept.

Jongno Buldwaeji(종로불돼지)

556.2M 2020-11-19

67, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-1190

A place that sells pork pre-grilled on briquette fire. The best menu at this restaurant is skin-on pork belly. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Jongnojokppal (종로족빨)

556.2M 2021-03-22

22, Ujeongguk-ro, 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-1222

A famous place for group dinners among workers in Jongno. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is braised pigs' feet.

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

556.0M 2025-06-19

4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.
SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.
The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.

Bosingak Belfry (보신각 터)

567.1M 2024-03-04

54, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-2641

Bosingak Belfry is also known as Jonggak. It was the site in which a large bell, used to keep the time in Seoul, was found during the Joseon period (1392-1897). Bosingak Belfry was burned down during the Korean War (1950-1953) and was reconstructed in 1979. The original bell was moved to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and a new bell was forged in 1985. At midnight, January 1, the bell at the Bosingak Belfry is rung to welcome the new year. Many people gather around the belfry to make a wish for their new year.

Baan Khun Kwan (반쿤콴(B.K.K))

569.7M 2021-04-12

20, Jong-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-725-1688

This restaurant is decorated in the 'Thai' style. The best menu at this restaurant is rice noodle soup with beef. This Thai (cuisine) restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

584.6M 2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

CAFE Jongrosijang (CAFE종로시장)

590.0M 2021-03-19

10, Ujeongguk-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-1452

It sells American pancakes. The best menu at this restaurant is pancakes. This is a cafe located in Jongno, Seoul.

Olens - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 광화문)

603.4M 2024-04-18

1F, 82, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seosulla-gil Road (서순라길)

605.0M 2024-10-14

150-3 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seosulla-gil Road is a road that was used by the nightguards during the Joseon dynasty. The road is on the west of Jongmyo Shrine with various attractions nearby including Ikseon-dong, Insa-dong, Bukchon, and Samcheong-dong, as well as restaurants, cafes, and handicraft workshops. The road is also a beautiful date course with flowers in spring and fall foliage in autumn..

Jongmyodaeje (Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite of Joseon) (종묘대제) - Area information - Korea travel information