Jongmyo Shrine
Jongno and Insadong, Seoul
Source: royal.khs.go.kr, checked 13 Oct 2026.
The Confucian shrine where Joseon kings and queens are memorialised, set in a long, plain compound. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Insider tip
On Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays you can only enter on a timed guided tour of about 50 minutes. Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and Wednesdays allow free-roaming viewing.
What the guides say about Jongmyo Shrine
Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine and Jogyesa Temple are all here or next door, and Gwangjang Market has the food alley.
What's on at Jongmyo Shrine
Upcoming events at Jongmyo Shrine and within a ten-minute walk, from the weekly Seoul events calendar.
Jongmyo Daeje (royal ancestral rite)
Station Jongno 3-ga (Lines 1, 3, 5), exit 11
The Korea Heritage Service says the rite is held every year on the first Sunday of May. That would be May 2, 2027, but the date and booking haven't been announced. In 2026 (May 3) the procession left Gwanghwamun, the main rite was at 14:00 and advance seats opened Apr 17 on Ticketlink.
xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0 Again, Arirang
Time Tue to Sun 9:00 to 18:00
Exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the film Arirang and the song's place in Korean life. Last entry 17:30 and closed on Mondays.
Seongjeonggak: A Crown Prince's Day
Time 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 (Sundays)
Small-group programme at Seongjeonggak in Changdeokgung, held on Sundays. Three sessions a day with 10 people each. The official list has a reservation button, so book ahead. Remaining Sundays are 18 and 25 October and 1 and 8 November.
Gary Todd, CC0 1.0 Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour (spring 2027 run)
Time 19:10 to 21:50 Station Anguk (Line 3), exit 3
The spring 2026 run was Apr 16 to May 31 at ₩30,000, with two evening parts (about 19:10 and 20:00) and a lottery for tickets. The 2027 dates and booking windows haven't been announced.
Gary Todd, CC0 1.0 Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour (autumn 2027 run)
Time 19:10 to 21:50 Station Anguk (Line 3), exit 3
The autumn 2026 run was Sept 10 to Oct 17, Thursday to Sunday, per the Korea Heritage Service event list. The 2027 dates haven't been announced.
Gary Todd, CC0 1.0 Smaller local events nearby
Jongmyo Shrine English Guided Tour Exhibition
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Next: Mon 2 Nov · Jongmyo Shrine, Jongno
Jongmyo can be entered with a guide on set tours. English tours start at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. The shrine is closed on Tuesdays.
Admission 1,000 won · 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 · Map · Source: Cultural Heritage Administration, Royal Palaces and Tombs Center · 종묘 영어 해설
Nearby
Around Jongno and Insadong
Temples, craft shops and the late-night market
Jongno is the old main street of the city. Insadong-gil has craft shops and tea houses, Jogyesa is the only traditional temple in the centre, and Gwangjang Market feeds people until 23:00. Jongmyo and Changgyeonggung are the quieter heritage sites on the east side.
Jongno and Insadong has 9 places on the Roam Seoul map: 3 palaces and temples, 2 shops, 1 park or garden, 1 museum, 1 market and 1 restaurant. Read the Jongno and Insadong guide.
Good to know
- What is the address of Jongmyo Shrine?
- 157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
- How do I get to Jongmyo Shrine?
- The nearest station is Jongno 3-ga (Line 1, 3 or 5), exit 11. Jongmyo Shrine is in Jongno and Insadong, Seoul.
- How long do you need at Jongmyo Shrine?
- Plan for 1.5 hours.
- When is the best time to visit Jongmyo Shrine?
- Weekend morning for free viewing.
Stay near Jongmyo Shrine
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