Jongmyo Shrine [UNESCO World Heritage]
종묘 [유네스코 세계유산]
Historic site in Jongno-gu. Open 09:00–18:00, closed Tuesdays. Plan about 1 hour. 6 min walk from Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station.
![Jongmyo Shrine [UNESCO World Heritage]](https://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource_photo/60/4063060_image2_1.jpg)
Good to know
About
Information: Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI)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.
Our guide
Jongmyo is the only historic site we list that closes on Tuesday; Jungmyeongjeon Hall and April 19th National Cemetery close on Mondays. For a Tuesday alternative near Jongmyo, Tapgol Park is an 11-minute walk and Changdeokgung Palace 15 minutes, both open that day.
Getting to Jongmyo: about 1 h 20 from Incheon Airport (AREX to Seoul Station, then Line 1 to Jongno 3-ga) and 40 min from Gimpo. From Seoul Station 20 min, Myeongdong 23 min, Hongik Univ. 29 min, Gangnam 40 min.
Staying close: by our estimate Jongno 3-ga Station is the nearest area we suggest for a base near Jongmyo, with 120 hotels within walking distance of the station.
Travel times are estimates from our transit model, Oct 2026.
Pairs well with
Within a 20-minute walk.
Where to stay near Jongmyo Shrine [UNESCO World Heritage]
Areas with the shortest trip here, on foot or by public transit.
From each area’s main station, on foot or by public transit. Our estimates (Nov 2026).
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