JONGMYO SHRINE
SEOUL
The Jongmyo Shrine was the primary place of worship for Joseon kings, housing the spirit tablets of the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. It was originally built in the late-14th century and then later destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1592, then eventually rebuilt in the early 17th century. There is a free but mandatory guided tour in English that explores the history and tradition of the shrine and visitors will be able to see the main hall, Jeongjeon, which is known for its breathtaking architecture and is credited as the largest single wooden structure in the world. Another important building to see is Yeongnyeongheon Hall (Hall of Eternal Peace), which is an auxiliary shrine. Jongmyo Shrine was built in accordance with the Confucian ideology of ancestral worship and the Jongmyo Jerye, the royal shrine ritual, is still carried out today, 600 years later. The shrine was named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995.
Open Wednesday to Monday, 9am to 6:30pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Average adult ticket is 1,000 won. jm.cha.go.kr