No. 05 · THE ROYAL SHRINE
Jongmyo Shrine
종묘
The Joseon kings' ancestral shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, seen on guided tours on weekdays and freely on Saturdays.
Closed on Tuesdays
Jongmyo holds the spirit tablets of Joseon's kings and queens. UNESCO listed the shrine in 1995 and its royal ancestral rite and music in 2001.
Jeongjeon, the main hall, runs long and low behind a broad stone court, built for ritual rather than display. On weekdays and Sundays you enter with a guide at set times; on Saturdays you walk in on your own.
Don't miss
- Jeongjeon, the long main hall
- Yeongnyeongjeon hall
- The raised spirit path
- Saturday free walking
Opening hours
| Nov–Jan | 09:00–17:30 |
|---|---|
| Feb–May, Sep–Oct | 09:00–18:00 |
| Jun–Aug | 09:00–18:30 |
Tours
Except on Saturdays, entry is with a guide at set times. English tours start at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00.
Sources
- Korea Tourism Organization — Jongmyo ShrineChecked 2026-11-10
- Royal Palaces and Tombs Center — Jongmyo Shrine and its historyChecked 2026-11-10
- Korea Tourism Organization — Experience Royal Palace Life: guard ceremonies and guided toursChecked 2026-11-10
When the weekly closing day falls on a public holiday, the palace opens that day and closes on the next working day instead.