1. Jongmyo Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Seoul, South Korea. It is a Confucian shrine that was built during the Joseon Dynasty and has been in use ever since. The shrine is dedicated to the spirits of the kings and queens of Joseon, and is considered one of the most important cultural sites in Korea. Visitors to the shrine can see the ancient architecture, beautiful gardens, and traditional ceremonies that take place throughout the year.
Interesting facts about Jongmyo Shrine include:
- It is the oldest and most well-preserved Confucian shrine in the world
- The main hall of the shrine is the longest wooden building in Korea
- Only men are allowed to serve as caretakers and conduct the traditional ceremonies at the shrine
- In the past, commoners were not allowed to enter the shrine grounds and had to pass by on the opposite side of the street
- Jongmyo Shrine was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995
2. Jongmyo Shrine is open to visitors from 9am to 6pm, Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays). Guided tours in English are available at specific times throughout the day, and can be reserved in advance. The phone number for the shrine is +82-2-765-0195.
3. Admission to Jongmyo Shrine requires a ticket, which can be purchased on-site or in advance online. The cost is 1,000 KRW (approximately 1 USD) for adults and 500 KRW (approximately 0.50 USD) for students. The shrine can be reached by taking the subway to Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1, 3, or 5) and walking for about 10 minutes. Buses and taxis are also available.
