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

1.2Km 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.

Irilju (일일주(日日酒))

1.2Km 2021-03-30

4, Sajik-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-738-1717

It is a delicious restaurant in Gwanghwamun with a good atmosphere. This Japanese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is salmon sashimi.

Seowon (서원)

1.2Km 2024-03-11

141, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-0214

Located in Myeongdong Street, Seowon focuses on porridge. It boasts a wide variety of porridge made with abalone, chicken, samgye (chicken and ginseng) mushrooms, oysters, shrimp, vegetables, etc. They also have Korean-style juices made with ginseng, fruits, and vegetables that goes well after finishing porridge. The restaurant opens early in the morning, so it's a great place to grab a quick breakfast.

Starbucks Byuldabang (스타벅스 별다방)

1.2Km 2024-12-27

100 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Byuldabang is a cozy space in the city, where the present and future of Starbucks coexist

Byuldabang is a special name. It combines the Korean words byul, which means stars, and dabang, which means a traditional space where people gather and talk over tea or drink. Byuldabang is the nickname Koreans generally use for Starbucks. Starbucks Byuldabang store opened in appreciation of customers of Starbucks Korea, celebrating its 22nd anniversary. This particular store is a Starbucks Reserve store with new concept food items, and is the first among Starbucks stores worldwide to have digital art wall decorations. The images projected to the art wall are “The Journey of Siren.” It is a surreal journey of Siren, who delivers coffee messages around the ocean, day and night. Customers love the story.

Gangseo Myeonok (강서면옥)

1.2Km 2020-04-17

35, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-1945

Gangseo Myeonok has been famous for over fifty years, having been the food of choice served to visiting dignitaries from North Korea at the time of the South-North Red Cross Conference. The restaurant has succeeded in carrying on the tradition of Pyeongyang-style naengmyeon. The native buckwheat from Gangwon-do mixed with starch makes for fine noodles, and the wonderful broth is made from beef brisket with white radish kimchi.

Eun Ha Su (은하수)

1.2Km 2021-10-20

145, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3705-9141~2

Eun Ha Su at Sejong Hotel was opened in 1978 as Elysee, the first Korean buffet in Korea. For the past 30 years, the restaurant has gained acclaim for its healthy and nutritious Korean cuisine, attracting both Korean and international diners.

Jongmyo Shrine [UNESCO World Heritage] (종묘 [유네스코 세계유산])

1.2Km 2024-07-05

157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-0195

Jongmyo Shrine was the primary place of worship for kings and their queens throughout the Joseon dynasty. The shrine was built at the same time as Gyeongbokgung Palace, under the orders of King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon dynasty. The shrine is the site of the royal memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, a national event that has been passed down since the Three Kingdoms period. During the Joseon dynasty, the ritual was held on the first month of a seasonal change and the twelfth month of the lunar year.

Yubin Wang Donkkaseu (유빈왕돈까스)

1.2Km 2021-03-18

46, Chungmu-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-305-1255

This is a Korean cuisine located in Euljiro, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is pork cutlet. A store selling pork cutlet, Koreans’ favorite dish.

Changdeokgung Injeongmun Gate (창덕궁 인정문)

1.2Km 2025-01-14

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Serving as the main gate of Injeongjeon Hall, Injeongmun Gate was established in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon dynasty). Later on, the gate was destroyed by multiple fires during the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592), therefore current form of the establishment displays designs that are more often seen in the late 19th century's. In addition, a lot of subsidary marks and buildings are removed from the original places and relocated passing the time, however, still remains to represent prestigious ambience.

Injeongmun Gate served as the place for several coronation ceremonies of kings, prince's succession of throne, and many other national affairs celebrated by the royal members who gathered and aligned around this gate.

Seoul Sejong Hotel (세종호텔)

1.2Km 2021-06-07

145, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-773-6000

Seoul Sejong Hotel is located in Myeong-dong, a heart of Seoul’s shopping, tourism, and business districts. Approximately 1 hour from Incheon International Airport, hotel guests can enjoy many attractions nearby as well as a spectacular panoramic view of beautiful Namsan Mountain and downtown Seoul.

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