Jongmyo, Confucian shrine in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea.
Jongmyo is a Confucian royal ancestral shrine located in Jongno District with multiple wooden buildings designed in simple lines and symmetrical patterns. Stone courtyards and ceremonial pathways connect the structures and create organized spaces for ritual activities.
The shrine was founded in 1394 under King Taejo as one of Korea's oldest surviving royal ancestral complexes. It was reconstructed in the early 1600s following destruction during the Japanese invasions and restored to its current appearance.
The shrine serves as a place where visitors can observe traditional ceremonies honoring the memory of Joseon Dynasty rulers through music and ritual practices. These occasions reveal how ancestor veneration remained central to Korean royal life and continues to shape how people remember their past.
Visitors can explore the complex through guided tours available in multiple languages, with certain areas reserved for the annual May ceremonies. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes and allow time for slow, attentive exploration of the grounds.
The longest traditionally built wooden structure in South Korea is located here and houses the memorial tablets of deceased kings. This remarkable building demonstrates the craftsmanship and effort that early dynasty rulers invested in honoring their ancestors.
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