Jongmyo Shrine - Free Audio Guide
Seoul, South Korea
종묘, 훈정동, 종로1·2·3·4가동, 종로구, 서울특별시, 대한민국
Jongmyo Shrine, located in Jongno District, Seoul, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest Confucian royal ancestral shrine in Korea, built in 1394. It holds significant cultural importance as it continues the tradition of honoring deceased kings and queens with annual rituals. The main hall, Jeongjeon, is the longest traditional building in Korea and houses memorial tablets of 19 kings and 30 queens. Visitors can experience the Jongmyo Daejae ceremony, showcasing ancient court music and dance performed by descendants of the royal family. The shrine is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with an admission fee of 1,000 KRW. It is accessible via public transport, making it an easy visit for tourists seeking to explore Korea's rich history.