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

378.4737441864744m 24413 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.

Nakseonjae Hall (낙선재)

380.9750565707019m 29374 2021-09-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1822

Located inside Changdeokgung Palace, Nakseonjae Hall is a one-story structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with a hip tiled and gable roof. It has 6 kan in the front and 2 kan (traditional unit of measurement of the space between pillars) to the sides. It originally belonged to the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace, but came to be considered a part of Changdeokgung Palace in more recent years.

The hall was constructed in 1846 (12th year of King Heonjong’s reign) and it is collectively called Nakseonjae together with the adjacent Seokbokheon Hall and Sugangjae Hall.

Behind the building is a flower garden made of stacked large stones. The chimney, the flowers, and the oddly shaped stones harmoniously blend into one another to create an outstanding landscape gardening.

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

383.3188674760076m 13022 2022-08-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Hyangnamu or 'Aromatic Tree' in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be about 700 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. It stands 12m in x_height, measures 5.9m in girth around the roots, and has branches spreading in all four directions. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Pajeongjip (파전집)

390.26956808133787m 94 2021-04-13

27, Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-6763

A great store to visit on a rainy day. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is assorted savory pancakes.

Manboseong (만보성)

396.346850249433m 60 2021-03-26

53, Seosulla-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-766-8488

It is a place where you can eat a variety of Chinese dishes at reasonable prices. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is sweet and sour pork.

Onion Anguk Branch (어니언 안국)

401.8088826012317m 1 2024-02-20

5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Onion is a café situated in a hanok dating back to the 1920s. Renovated with careful preservation of the daecheongmaru and madang, the café offers a glimpse into traditional Korean architecture. The signature menu item is the vanilla bean latte, and popular desserts include pandoro and salty butter bread. Its proximity to nearby attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace makes it a convenient stop for those exploring Seoul's major palaces.

Sieunjae [Korea Quality] / 시은재 [한국관광 품질인증]

402.4265065270747m 4798 2020-12-10

439, Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-5355-3029

Located in Gyeongun-dong, Jongno-gu at the very heart of Seoul, Sieunjae is a hanok with a longstanding tradition. It has three guestrooms including the anbang (main room), byeolchae (detached building), and jakeunbang (small room). The anbang is the only room with a living room, where various items of old furniture, including a comfortable sofa, create an antique atmosphere. The communal bathroom and toilets are supplied with toiletries, while the communal kitchen is equipped with cooking equipment and a washing machine. The house can be rented either as individual accommodations or in its entirety. As it is situated in Jongno-gu, at the very heart of Seoul, guests can easily reach many nearby major tourist attractions. Car users are advised to use the public parking lot as the house has no parking spaces. Entering by a small gate, the little flowerbed comes into sight. This old hanok shows traces of repair works on the tiled roof.

Nakji Wangguk (낙지왕국)

423.0441327850908m 153 2021-03-22

31, Donhwamun-ro, 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-3119

A famous restaurant frequented by workers in Jongno. This seafood restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is stir-fried octopus.

Isae - Gahoe Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이새 가회)

435.3473962610505m 0 2024-04-22

42, Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Jeongwon Sutbulgalbi (정원숯불갈비)

442.0817968739775m 148 2021-03-22

8, Donhwamun-ro, 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-1305

A place where you can experience the Korean BBQ culture. This restaurant's signature menu is marinated grilled beef ribs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

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