Jongmyo Royal Shrine,
the Korea's Worldwide Famous Heritage
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As the first king of Joseon Dynasty (1392 ~ 1910), Taejo appointed Seoul as a new capital, the first building ordered to build was this Jongmyo Royal Shrine.
This shrine holds mortuary tablets of Joseon Kings and queens, and as a ceremony place for kings, it has continued its 600 year history.
The theory of Confucianism has influenced the politics, economy, and social structure of eastern nations for more than two thousand years. Therefore, in a society based on Confucianism, such shrines like Jongmyo Royal Shrine has to be built in order to conserve and continue the heritage of royal family.
The Jongmyo Royal Shrine Ceremony was held in the beginning of each season (January, April, July, and October), and at times when there is good or bad news. King, his lieges, and family members all participated in the ceremony, and nowadays, descendents of Joseon Royal Family carry on the same ceremony in every May.
The Beauty of Jongmyo Royal Shrine Architecture, Located in the middle Jongno with many high-rises, Jongmyo Royal Shrine is surrounded by the forest and persists the great history of Joseon Dynasty. As a single structure, Jongmyo Royal Shrine Jeongjeon is the longest building in Asia, and such that it is often called, "Asia's Parthenon".
This building is divided into three parts, and there are 19 rooms (Shin-sil) in the middle which hold king's tablets. Since these rooms spread like a wing, it is called, "Ik-shil" (rooms like wings). Along with the serenity and firmness, this building is one of the biggest wooden structures in present.
In Jongmyo Royal Shrine Jeongjeon, there is always one chamber for one king, and this chamber means the space between two pillars. In chamber, a table is positioned in the deepest place, and a wooden tablet is set on the table, which states king's name. Also, there is a space in front of the table for people to pray, and the whole chamber is gated by two wooden doors. In between the pillars and outside of doors, there is a table for incense as well.
As an annex of Jeongjeon, Youngnyeonjeon has the similar structure, format, and function, yet the size is minimized. In this building, the tablets of the grandfathers and grandsons of the first king, who could not succeed to the throne are installed here. In 1995, Jongmyo Royal Shrine was recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's greatest heritages for its priceless value and universality.
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| | 9:00 ~ 17:00 (Tickets available: 9:00 ~ 16:30) Closed on Tuesdays | |
| | Adult 700won, Youth and Soldier 300won | |
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