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

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

2.9Km    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.

Eunjujeong (은주정)

2.9Km    2024-03-12

32, Changgyeonggung-ro 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2265-4669

Situated near Gwangjang Market, Eunjujeong focuses on kimchi jjigae. Served wrapped in lettuce, it offers a unique delicacy. They also sell barbecued pork belly, which is grilled in the traditional Korean style. After finishig the meal, it's recommended to take a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream right in front of the restaurant. Across Cheonggyecheon Stream is Gwangjang Market, which is also worth exploring, enriching the experience of the area.

Seoul Jungbu Market (서울중부시장)

2.9Km    2022-09-13

35, Eulji-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-5617

At Jungbu Market, a wide assortment of dried food such as laver, seaweed, anchovies, yellow corbinas, squid, pollack, and dried filefish fillets are available at low prices. Known for both wholesale and retail sales, Jungbu Market offers goods at prices 20-30% lower than those found at other markets.

Each store only sells one or two types of seafood products, allowing for easy price comparison and top quality goods. Popular products include dried filefish fillets, laver, and Pollack. As of late, processed food has also started to make its way into the market.

Trevia (트레비아)

2.9Km    2021-03-30

1, Itaewon-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-794-6003

You can enjoy light Italian pizza. This restaurant's signature menu is pizza. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

VATOS (바토스)

2.9Km    2021-03-29

1, Itaewon-ro 15-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-797-8226

It serves new-concept dishes by combining Korean flavors with traditional Mexican dishes. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is cheese nacho.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Special Evening Admission (경복궁 야간 특별관람)

2.9Km    2022-03-24

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3700-3900~1

The special evening admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace takes place for a limited time every year. Visitors can purchase tickets for this special evening program online.

The Restaurant (더레스토랑)

2.9Km    2021-03-27

54, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-8441

It is a gallery-like restaurant where you can appreciate paintings drawn by famous artists. The best menu at this restaurant is spaghetti. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Bukchon Son Mandu Bukchon Branch (북촌손만두 북촌점)

2.9Km    2024-12-10

This third-generation family-owned handmade mandu restaurant has been in business since 1953. Its handmade mandu bears the tradition of nearly 70 years. This restaurant distinguishes itself above others with its unique expertise in the art of mandu-making and fresh ingredients, capturing deep flavors with care in each mandu. A full spread of mandu is available here, from steamed mandu to thin-skin mandu, deep-fried mandu, shrimp mandu, and galbi mandu, which can be ordered in individual pieces or as an assorted package. Mandu and noodles go perfectly together, and here, visitors can enjoy mandu with cold buckwheat noodles or noodle soup. The most recommended menu is the noodle soup, which serves thick, plump noodles in warm broth. But that does not mean that the cold buckwheat noodles are lacking: cold buckwheat noodles are served in a cool, red kimchi broth.

Bongwonsa Temple (봉원사)

2.9Km    2023-03-13

120, Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-392-3007

Located on the outskirts of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Bongwonsa Temple, as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego, is a thousand-year-old temple with a long history and tradition. In 889 (3rd year of Shilla Queen Jinseong’s reign), Monk Doseon founded it at the ground of Yeonhui Palace (now Yonsei Univ.) and named it Banyasa temple. It was destroyed during the Imjin War in 1592, and later in 1748 (the 24th year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign), it was rebuilt and renamed “Bongwonsa” by two Buddhist monks, Chanjeup and Jeungam.

“Yeongsanjae,” one of the Buddhist rituals and also a National Intangible Cultural Property, takes place at Bongwonsa on June 6 every year wishing for world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. During Yeongsanjae, visitors can enjoy the Buddhist arts such as Beompae (Buddhist temple music for rituals) and dancing. Also, during summertime, Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival takes place, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers which are a symbol of Buddhism.

After Work 33 (에프터워크33)

2.9Km    2021-03-19

21, Yulgok-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-4403-0033

Well-known for its charming garden and stylish interior design. The best menu at this restaurant is risotto. This is a Western cuisine located in Jongno, Seoul.