Dongmyo, Chinese military shrine in Jongno District, South Korea

Dongmyo is a shrine in Jongno District consisting of two main connected buildings with traditional Chinese gong-style roofs supported by wide brick walls and pillars. The structure combines classical Chinese architectural elements with sturdy brick foundations.

The Joseon government established Dongmyo in 1601 with financial support from Ming Dynasty Emperor Wanli, who also provided a calligraphy plaque. This founding was part of diplomatic and religious relations between the two kingdoms during this period.

The shrine houses wooden statues of General Guan Yu with differently colored faces, accompanied by figures of four military retainers. These representations reflect traditional Chinese veneration practices that remain visible in the space today.

You can reach Dongmyo by taking Seoul Subway Line 1 or Line 6 to Dongmyo Station and walking a short distance from Exit 3. Its convenient location near public transit makes a visit easy to plan.

Nammyo, built by Ming officer Zhen Yin, also survives, so Dongmyo is not the only remaining Guan Yu shrine. Dongmyo is the largest and most ornate of the four directional shrines Seoul once had. In October 2011 a dragon-and-cloud painting was found hidden behind the Ilwol Oakdo screen behind the gilt bronze Guan Yu statue.