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

1.9Km 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.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul [MMCA Seoul] (국립현대미술관 서울관)

1.9Km 2023-06-23

30, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-9500

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA Seoul) opened in 2013 as a city venue of the MMCA, which opened in 1986 in Gwacheon. The museum site was where many of Korea’s historical and political developments were achieved, both during the Joseon dynasty and after the Korean War. The Seoul venue of MMCA stands out from other museums through its use of Korea’s traditional architectural concept of "madang," a spacious courtyard where people can come and gather to socialize. The exterior of the building stands in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the museum is equipped with many facilities, including a reference center, project gallery theater, and multipurpose hall. MMCA Seoul strives to accommodate every mode of new artistic endeavor and to communicate with the public.

Eunjujeong (은주정)

1.9Km 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.

Gwangjang Market Hanbok Shops (광장시장 한복매장)

1.9Km 2019-09-16

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-0291

Unlike many other traditional markets, Kwangjang Market has preserved its rich history and maintained the feel of a traditional market, shying away from modernization. Operated by kind-hearted merchants that embody the warmth of the Korean people, the market is a great place to eat delicious food and purchase various items at inexpensive prices.

Hanbok shops in Kwangjang Market focus on traditional hanbok rather than modernized hanbok, which are said to be more practical than their traditional counterpart. Beautiful hanbok are available at 30% off their average asking price.

Oliva Garden (올리바가든)

2.0Km 2021-05-11

16, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-3056

It is an Italian restaurant featured in a popular Korean drama. The best menu at this restaurant is steak. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Hyojababe (효자바베)

2.0Km 2021-03-22

42, Jahamun-ro, 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-8749-0019

A restaurant frequently featured in Korean delicious food programs. This BBQ restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is grilled Korean beef.

Seoul Sajik Park (사직공원(서울))

2.0Km 2021-11-12

89, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4149

Sajik Park is one of the three most popular parks in Jongno-gu along with Tapgol Park and Samcheong Park. Located west of the Government Complex-Seoul on the southeastern foothills of Inwangsan Mountain, the park measures an impressive 188,710 m².

The name of the park dates back to 1395 when Taejo Yi Sung-gye made Sajik Altar (altar to the State deities) at the center of the park. "Sa" refers to the deity of the earth while "jik" refers to the deity of the five grains. Rites wishing for a good harvest were held regularly at Sajik Altar.

In the park are several playgrounds, statues of Sin Saimdang, Hwanghakjeong, and Yulkog Yi I, and the Municipal Children's Library. Dangun Shrine and Jongno Library are situated nearby. By following the path next to Sajik Park for approximately 5 minutes, travelers can reach the Inwangsan hiking path with relative ease.

The King's (더 킹스)

2.0Km 2020-04-24

287, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2270-3121

The King’s is a premium buffet offering live music and top-quality, fresh dishes. Serving up “à la minute” cuisine in which food is cooked fresh to order, the restaurant is particularly known for its live seafood. In addition to the live seafood corner, The King’s buffet boasts 150 international foods in 10 different sections, including a Chinese food corner with dim sum, grilled Peking duck, stir-fry, and other authentic Chinese dishes prepared by Chinese chefs.

STAY dayoff (스테이 데이 오프)

2.0Km 2024-12-23

6 , Jahamun-ro 1da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-504-0904-2406

Stay Day Off is a hanok stay just off Jahamun-no - known locally as ‘Food Street’ - in Seochon Village to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. It’s a 5-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3, so transport access is good. The main building comprises two bedrooms with queen-size bed, a living room and kitchen, and two bathrooms. The annex building is rather special: it has a bath and sauna behind a window wall with a fine view of the hanok garden. There’s a 10% discount for guests staying more than two nights during the week.

Italyjae (이태리재)

2.0Km 2017-02-01

74-9, Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Itaejae, located in a refined side street in Sogyeok-dong, offers authentic traditional Venetian-style Italian cuisine at a reasonable price.

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