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

1.6Km 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.

Bukjeong Village (북정마을)

1.6Km 2024-02-15

132-3 Seongbuk-ro 23-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Bukjeong Village, situated along the slopes of Seongbuk-dong, offers a glimpse into Korea's old alleyways. The village expanded as refugees from the Korean War (1950–1953) and people from various regions settled, building houses under the collapsed walls of Hanyang doseong (Seoul City Wall). Presently, the village is home to young artists, and the broad street in front of the village bus stop hosts various community events.

Allsso (올쏘)

1.6Km 2021-08-26

30, Jong-ro, 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-9222

A barbecue specialty restaurant located in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul. A Korean BBQ restaurant. The most famous menu is grilled beef.

Bugaksan Mountain (북악산)

1.6Km 2024-03-04

Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-0297

Bugaksan Mountain is the mountain that one can see behind the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Cheong Wa Dae to the north. Hanyangdoseong, the city wall that surrounded the historic capital of Hanyang, was built by connecting the ridges of this mountain. These walls can still be found today, having been preserved quite well. Different trails weave through the area along the Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall, and one can visit these trails at night as well. Bugak Skyway is a road that connects Changuimun Gate to Jeongneung Royal Tomb, and one can get a great view of Seoul’s city center from the Palgakjeong Pavilion on Bugak Skyway.

Janganmun (장안문)

1.6Km 2021-03-19

29, Eulji-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-0673

A barbecue specialty restaurant located near Euljiro 1(il)ga Station in Seoul. The most famous menu is grilled beef brisket. A Korean BBQ restaurant.

Libuk Sonmandu (리북손만두)

1.6Km 2019-08-28

17-13, Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-7361

Libuk Sonmandu restaurant is located deep in the alleys behind Seoul City Hall in the Mugyo-dong area. It is famous for kimchimari bap and sonmandu (handmade dumplings). Kimchimaribap is rice in a soup of kimchi and ice cubes with various added flavorings that originated in North Korea. This is a refreshing dish for summer. Other items on the menu are bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mandu jeongol (dumpling hot pot).

Munmyo Confucian Shrine and Seonggyungwan National Academy (서울 문묘와 성균관)

1.6Km 2020-03-31

31, Seonggyungwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-760-1472

Munmyo is a shrine dedicated to Confucius, whose teachings form the foundation of Confucianism. It is also dedicated to his disciples and other great Confucian scholars. Munmyo is not only the shrine but also the highest educational institution of the Joseon dynasty. Munmyo was once called as Munseonwangmyo since during the Tang dynasty, Confucius was named as King Munseon after his death and then it has been called as Munmyo since the Yuan dynasty.

The compound consists of two main areas: the Daeseongjeon houses shrines and the Myeongnyundang features seminar halls and other auxiliary facilities. Also, there are two dormitories, Dongjae and Seojae, which are collectively known as Sungkyunkwan. In front of the Myeongnyundang stands a ginkgo tree designated as Natural Monument No. 59. In spring and autumn, a ritual for Confucius and his disciples takes place.

Chamchi Maeul (참치마을)

1.6Km 2021-03-22

31, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-1671

This is a restaurant where you can enjoy several parts of tuna. This Japanese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is sliced raw tuna.

Jongro Seolleongtang (종로설렁탕)

1.6Km 2021-03-19

110, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2271-3820

A restaurant selling Korean-style healthy broth-based dishes. The best menu at this restaurant is ox bone soup. This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno, Seoul.

Seoul Former Russian Legation (서울 구 러시아공사관)

1.6Km 2020-06-18

21-18, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5882

The Russian Legation was built in a Renaissance style in 1890. Russian architect, A. J. Scredin Sabatine designed the structure. In 1895, during the Joseon dynasty, the Eulmisabyeon Incident took place as a show of force by the Japanese.

Empress Myeongseong-hwanghu was emerging as a strong figure in Korea at a time when a power struggle between Japan, China, Russia, and other powers were taking place. Japanese Minister, Miura Goro saw her as a threat and ordered her assassination. After hearing news of the Empress’s assassination, King Gojong and the Crown Prince sought refuge in the Russian Embassy for one year.

After 1945, the Soviet Union took over the embassy until it was almost completely destroyed by a fire during the Korean War [1950~1953]. The only remaining parts of the building are the tower and basement areas. The building was restored to its current condition in 1973 and is now enjoyed by many as a public park.

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