Jongmyo Shrine, Seoul, South Korea

Feb 13, 2022 | Historical Site, South Korea - Seoul Area

Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine dedicated to the perpetuation of memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Korean Joseon Dynasty.

Jongmyo: 157, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Jongmyo Shrine was the primary place of worship for kings and their queens throughout the Joseon dynasty. The compound is composed of various buildings in addition to the main hall. 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.

The entrance.

After the entrance

Out from the housing

Walking to another housing

The right side

The left side

Out from the housing

Far away was another house, but I skipped that.

One of the two shrines.  This shrine was added later when the first shrine was not big enough to hold all the spirit tablets.

List of kings and queens whose spirit tablet is in the shrine.

Panoramic view from left to right

Out from the shrine.

This is the waiting place for music instrument players, dancers, and singers.

Walking again

This is the first shrine built

List of kings and queens whose spirit tablet is in the shrine.

Out from the shrine

Walking to the main entrance gate to this place.

Out from Jongmyo shrine.