A Visitor's Guide to Jongmyo Shrine

Place information

Korean name

종묘

Address

157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 종로 157)

Nearest station

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (종로3가역, Lines 1, 3, 5) (Exit 11)

Opening hours

Free self-guided visits (Sat/Sun/public holidays/designated "Culture Day"s) roughly 09:00–18:00, varying by season. On other days (Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri), entry is by timed guided tour only, in scheduled groups, lasting about 1 hour.

Closed

Every Tuesday (if it falls on a public holiday, the shrine stays open and closes the next weekday instead)

Price range

budget

Jongmyo is the shrine that holds the memorial tablets of Joseon's kings and queens, and it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its restrained architecture and quiet atmosphere leave a strong impression.

How to visit

Timed guided tours

On certain days of the week, Jongmyo only allows entry in timed, guided groups rather than free wandering. Check the visiting format and schedule before you go.

Temporary July–August 2026 operation

Because of extreme heat, self-guided entry is temporarily allowed in July and August 2026 even on days that normally use timed tours; guided visits continue as well. Recheck the official format for September onward.

The long eaves of Jeongjeon, the main hall, and its raised stone platform (woldae) are the shrine's signature view. Simply walking it quietly is a big part of the experience.

Jongmyo Jerye and Jeryeak

The annual Jongmyo royal ancestral rite (Jongmyo Jerye) and its ritual music (Jongmyo Jeryeak) are recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. If your visit lines up with the schedule, it's a special thing to see.

Jongmyo is close to Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces, so it's easy to combine into a single day. It's a 5-minute walk from Exit 11 of Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, 5), and admission is a cheap 1,000 KRW (free for visitors 65+ or wearing hanbok, among other exemptions).