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

15.4Km 2022-10-05

157, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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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.

Timhowan Samseong Branch (팀호완 삼성점)

15.4Km 2024-02-27

1F, 30 Bongeunsa-ro 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Timhowan is a specialized Chinese restaurant focusing on dim sum, located near Gangnam COEX. It has been selected by the Michelin Guide. Its signature dim sum includes the fresh shrimp-made har gow (shrimp dumplings), along with char siu bao bun (baked BBQ pork buns), shaomai (pork & shrimp dumplings), sacheonsik wantang (pork dumplings in hout & spicy sauce), and buchaegyo (spinach dumplings with shrimp). Additionally, there are dishes like sacheonsik wantang bibimmyeon (pork & shrimp dumpling in hout & spicy noodle), dakgogi beoseot jjim (chicken, cordycep flower & mushroom), Hong Kongsik tangsugi (sweet & sour fried chicken), cheonggyeongchae (poached fresh bok choy), and gongsimchae (seasonal vegetable). Nearby attractions include COEX, Bongeunsa Temple, and Seonjeongneung Royal Tomb.

Hanilkwan Apgujeong (한일관 압구정점)

15.4Km 2024-03-20

14 Apgujeong-ro 38-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Originally opened in Pimatgol Alley (a narrow alley connecting the two main roads of Jongno and Namdaemun-ro, which was frequented by horse riders during the Joseon period) in 1939, Hanilkwan is said to be the originator of Seoul-style bulgogi and has featured multiple times in Michelin Guides. It relocated to Apgujeong when Pimatgol Alley underwent redevelopment. Aside from its main branch at Apgujeong, it also has branches in Yeongdeungpo, Euljiro, Gwanghwamun Gate, and Hanam, Gyeonggi-do. Unlike the more conventional grilled bulgogi, which grills marinated meat on fire, bulgogi here is Seoul-style bulgogi served as a hot pot-like dish. The restaurant also serves other menus like Seoul-style cold buckwheat noodles, galbi soup, and mung bean pancakes.

Ojang-dong Hamheung Naengmyeon (오장동 함흥냉면)

15.4Km 2024-02-22

108 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Ojang-dong Hamheung Naengmyeon originated when grandma Han Hyesun, who migrated from Hamgyeongnam-do to Seoul during the Korean War, began selling Hamheung-style "nongma guksu (starch noodles)," eventually naming it Hamheung naengmyeon (Hamheung cold buckwheat noodles). Its signature dish, bibim naengmyeon (spicy buckwheat noodles), features chewy noodles infused with a tangy-sweet seasoning, showcasing the expertise behind its preparation. Alongside the flavorful broth served as a base, the menu also includes variations like hoe naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles with raw fish), mul laengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), suyuk (boiled pork slices) and mandu.