Jongmyon: A must visit World Heritage site in Korea

Chongmyo Shrine was built at the same time as Gyeongbok Palace to hold the ancenstral tablets for the kings of the Chosun Dynasty. Since then, all but 2 of the kings and their queens are enshrined here. According to Confucian tradition, the royal family would perform elaborate rituals here 5 times each year to pay respect to their royal ancestors. The tradition still holds today, although the Jongmyo Daeje (Royal Shrine Ritual) is only performed once each year, in May (designated as Cultural Property #56). Dozens of descendents of the royal family gather in court costumes appropriate for the Chosun period. The rituals are accompanied by traditional court music (Chongmyo Cherye-ak- Intangible Cultural Property #1) played by the Royal Court Orchestra.

                           



Cheongjeon
The main shrine hall, Cheongjeon (National Treasure #227) is the longest single traditional structure in Korea. It houses the tablets for the first set of kings and their queens.

                                  
                 


At the northern part of the grounds is an overpass to Changgyeong Palace. Although the two were originally connected, during the Japanese occupation, Yulgong-no road was built between the them as a symbolic split. (The overpass opens at 9:00 and closes one hour prior to closing of the Shrine.)

                                


Hours:
Mar. ~ Oct. - 09:00 ~ 17:00 (weekends- 18:00)
Nov. ~ Feb. - 09:00 ~ 16:30
Closed: Every Tuesday

Admission:
Adults (19 to 64 years old): 1,000 won (groups: 800 won)
Children (7 to 18 years old) and soldiers: 500 won (groups: 400 won)
* Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free

Directions:
Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station (Subway line 1, exit 11; Subway line 3, exit 8; Subway line 5, exit 8), 5 minutes walking

source:lifeinkorea.com