Jongmyo ShrineIkseon-dong · Insadong 315
Photo: KTOJongmyo is the royal shrine housing the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens, and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Its long main hall is admired for its solemn, restrained architecture.
Every May the Jongmyo Jerye ritual is held with traditional music and dance. Surrounded by trees in the middle of the city, it is a quiet place to take in history at your own pace.
Key information
| Hours | 9:00–17:30/18:00/18:30 depending on season |
|---|---|
| Admission | ₩1,000 adult (free under 25 and 65+) |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Time needed | about 1 hours |
| Nearest station | Anguk Stn (Line 3) / Jongno 3-ga Stn (Lines 1, 3, 5) |
| Area | Ikseon-dong · Insadong |
Hours and fees are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Please check official sources before you go.
Closed on Tuesdays. On weekdays visits are by timed guided tour (some in Japanese and English); at weekends and on holidays you can explore freely.
Plan a trip with Jongmyo Shrine
Getting there
| From | Route | Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport | AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 1 | ~79 min | 6,300 KRW |
| Gimpo Airport | AREX (all-stop) → Line 1 | ~40 min | 1,750 KRW |
| Seoul Station | Line 1 | ~12 min | 1,550 KRW |
Times are to the Ikseon-dong · Insadong area's nearest station; walk from there.
Nearby spots
Photo: KTO
Ikseon-dong Hanok StreetIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~400 mRetro alleys packed with renovated hanok cafés and restaurants.Photo: KTO
Insadong-gil & SsamziegilIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~800 mTraditional crafts, hanji paper and tea houses — great for souvenirs.Photo: KTO
Gwangjang MarketIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~700 mFamous for bindaetteok, yukhoe and gimbap. Nearest: Jongno 5-ga Stn.Photo: KTO
Cheonggyecheon StreamIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~1.5 kmA downtown streamside walkway, beautifully lit at night.Photo: KTO
Changdeokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~600 mUNESCO-listed palace. Closed Mondays. Adults ₩3,000 (Secret Garden extra, limited entry).Photo: KTO
Bukchon Hanok VillageGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.2 kmA residential hanok neighbourhood. The restricted zone is open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only; violations can be fined.Photo: KTO
Myeongdong CathedralMyeongdong · ~1.4 kmKorea's first Gothic-style cathedral. Keep quiet during Mass.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Jongmyo Shrine?
9:00–17:30/18:00/18:30 depending on season. Please check the official website for the latest information.
How much does Jongmyo Shrine cost?
₩1,000 adult (free under 25 and 65+).
How do I get to Jongmyo Shrine?
The nearest station is Anguk Stn (Line 3) / Jongno 3-ga Stn (Lines 1, 3, 5). From Incheon Airport it takes about 79 minutes and costs around ₩6,300.
When is Jongmyo Shrine closed?
Tuesdays.