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

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

8.5Km    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.

Gwanghwamun Seokgalbi (광화문석갈비)

8.5Km    2021-05-25

136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-6288

It is a restaurant frequently used as a place for group dinners by office workers. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled ribs on a hot plate. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Laderach SFC (레더라 SFC)

8.5Km    2021-03-29

136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-3245

It is a Swiss chocolate shop. The best menu at this restaurant is chocolate drink. This cafe is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Hamgyeongdo Chapssal Sundae (함경도찹쌀순대)

8.5Km    2021-03-30

32, Songpa-daero 28-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
+82-2-403-8822

This is a Sundae-soup restaurant that serves sundae with Hamgyeongdo-style glutinous rice. This restaurant's signature menu is blood sausage. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Songpa-gu, Seoul.

Seoul Papyrus [Tax Refund Shop] (서울파피루스)

8.5Km    2024-04-19

136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Jeongdong Theater (국립 정동극장)

8.6Km    2024-06-19

43 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-751-1500

Jeongdong Theater is located along Deoksugung Stone Wall Path and serves as a cultural hub for local citizens. Opened in 1995, Jeongdong Theater is historically significant as it was established to restitute the legacy of Wongaksa, the first modern theater in Korea. Jeongdong Theater features numerous critically-acclaimed productions, such as “Traditional Art Performance,” “Masters Exhibition,” and “Art Frontier,” as well as programs like “Art Stage at Noon” that are geared toward the general public. As a result, Jeongdong Theater has become one of Korea's representative traditional arts performance theaters and was designated as a Seoul Future Heritage in 2015.

The theater successfully held the performance “Miso” in 2010, featuring the traditional musical "Love Songs from Chunhyang," written and created by Jeongdong Theater. The musical attracted many international visitors from all over the world, passing on Korean cultural values and beauty, as well as gaining the attention of critics worldwide. In addition, the theater also produced "The 2nd Story of Miso: Baebijang-jeon," offering a modern interpretation of the fundamental values found in Korea's culture and art.

Cheonggye Pharmacy - Cheonggyecheon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (청계약국 청계천)

8.6Km    2024-04-17

14, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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The Dresser(더 드레서)

8.6Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 중구 정동길 43 (정동)

Matborae Jeukseok Tteokbokki (맛보래즉석떡볶이)

8.6Km    2021-03-19

9, Insadong, 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-4831

A spicy rice cakes specialty restaurant located in Insa-dong, Seoul. The most famous menu is stir-fried rice cake with cheese. Jjajang tteokbokki is also delicious.

Beautiful Life(뷰티풀 라이프)

8.6Km    2025-07-21

서울특별시 종로구 이화장길 26 (이화동)