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Jongmyo

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Jongmyo

Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine in Seoul dedicated to the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. It serves as the site where memorial tablets are enshrined and ancestral rites are performed. Travelers visit this site to see the traditional architecture of the shrine buildings and the layout of the ritual grounds.

Getting there from the city center depends on your starting point, but it is centrally located in the Jongno district. Using the Seoul subway or bus system, most visitors can reach the area within 20 to 40 minutes from major hubs like Myeong-dong or Seoul Station.

Planning Your Visit

Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to walk through the grounds and view the main halls. The site is expansive, and the pace of the visit is generally slow due to the nature of the shrine.

The shrine is accessible throughout the year. It can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon typically offers a quieter experience.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, this site can be combined with other historical landmarks in the vicinity. The following attractions are within walking distance:

  • Changgyeonggung: 0.5km
  • Changdeokgung: 0.6km
  • Wongaksa Pagoda: 0.6km
  • Unhyeongung: 0.6km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Jongmyo

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Changgyeonggung

Castles & palaces

Changgyeonggung

Changgyeonggung Palace was built in 1483 during the reign of King Seongjong of Joseon and stands adjacent to Changdeokgung Palace. Strolling through its quiet halls and gardens, visitors can sense the atmosphere of the old royal court.

0.5 km away

Changdeokgung

Castles & palaces

Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung is a Joseon-era royal palace in the heart of Seoul, well preserved in its original form. Its beautiful rear garden is especially famous, and the palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

0.6 km away

Wongaksa Pagoda

Temples & religious sites

Wongaksa Pagoda

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0.6 km away

Unhyeongung

Museums & galleries

Unhyeongung

Unhyeongung Palace is the former residence in Seoul of the Heungseon Daewongun, where King Gojong spent his childhood before ascending the throne. After Gojong became king, the Daewongun led affairs of state from here, and it was even directly linked to the royal palace.

0.6 km away

Tapgol Park

Parks & gardens

Tapgol Park

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0.6 km away

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Temples & religious sites

Jogyesa

Jogyesa is the leading temple of the Jogye Order, located right in the heart of downtown Seoul. With its long history, it's a great place to quietly stroll the grounds and take in the atmosphere of a traditional temple.

1.0 km away