Jongmyodaeje (Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite of Joseon) (종묘대제)

6.9Km 2022-10-05

157, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3210-4806, +82-2-6011-1067

Jongmyodaeje, Korea’s Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite, is a traditional ritual that has been recognized with many important designations. It is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 56 (Jongmyo Jerye), and Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 1 (Jongmyo Jeryeak). The ritual is held yearly on the first Sunday of May. It begins with eogahaengnyeol, the fabulous royal parade dating from the Joseon dynasy, which is truly a sight to behold as it moves through the modern city.

Jongmyodaeje originated as a royal ancestral ritual to honor the past kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty. During the Joseon era, the ritual was held five times a year (spring, summer, autumn, winter, and December) until it was abolished by Japanese colonial rule. In 1969, Jongmyodaeje was reinstated and has been held in May every year since.

Jongmyo Shrine, the destination of the procession, was the setting of ceremonial rituals during the Joseon dynasty. Originally, Jongmyo only referred to Jeongjeon (Main Hall) where the memorial tablets of Joseon’s reigning kings and queens are enshrined. Today, however, Jongmyo also encompasses Yeongnyeongjeon (Hall of Eternal Peace) where the tablets of posthumous kings and queens are enshrined and Gongsindang (Hall of Meritorious Subjects) where the tablets of esteemed ministers of the state are kept.

Banpo Hangang Park (반포한강공원)

6.9Km 2024-11-28

40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0541

Banpo Hangang Park is located on the southern side of the river centering on Banpo Bridge (Jamsu Bridge) between Hamnam Bridge (upstream) and Dongjak Bridge (downstream). The Rainbow Fountain built on both sides of Banpo Bridge was registered in The Guinness Book of Records in 2008 as the longest bridge fountain in the world with a total length of 1,140 meters. At night, over 200 lights create a fantastic view of a beautiful rainbow.

In addition, the park is equipped with sports facilities including bubble playground, in-line skating track, soccer field, and basketball court. You may also enjoy the gorgeous view of Hangang River and skyscrapers on the riverside from Gureum and Noeul cafes, lookout places located on the southernmost part of Dongjak Bridge.

Seoraeseom Island which connects from Banpo Hangang River Park is an artificially created island to provide a leisure space for Seoul urbanites. Every spring, the place is flooded with waves of canola flowers and people to enjoy picnic and spring events like ‘Searaeseom Butterfly, Canola Flower Festival’.

Your joyful experience in the park doesn’t end here - there are more things to see and enjoy including a nature experience field, boat quay, bike lane, and picnic spots.

Hamcho Ganjanggejang (함초간장게장)

6.9Km 2024-03-11

27, Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-1624

Situated in Myeongdong Street, Hamcho Ganjanggejang specializes in ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab). Their signature dish, ganjang gejang, is made by marinating blue crab in soy sauce and is a favorite among Koreans. Saeu jang (soy sauce marinated shrimp) and other seafood dishes (abalone, octopus, etc.) are also a must-try. In addition, the traditional Korean side dishes are so tasty that the restaurant never runs out of customers.

Space Moda [Korea Quality]스페이스 모다[한국관광 품질인증]

6.9Km 2025-05-15

19-17 , Samseongyo-ro 6-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-10-9952-0152

Space Moda is a quiet, modernized hanok nestled in an alley in Seonggwak Village next to Naksan Park in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and is let out as a single house. The guesthouse aims for zero waste and low energy use, and encourages sustainable travel. A small yard serves as a resting place for travelers. Guests will enjoy exploring the neighborhood’s many cafes, restaurants, and bars, all a short walk away; while transportation access is good, with Hansung University Subway Station nearby. There is a car park a short distance away.

Goethe-Institut Korea (주한독일문화원)

6.9Km 2019-03-18

132, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Goethe-Institut branches out worldwide as a cultural ambassador of Germany. The institution promotes German language and facilitates international cultural exchanges abroad by providing information related to Germany's culture, society and politics.

With an extensive network around the globe consisting of Goethe-Centers, cultural organizations, information centers, language examination centers, and language learning centers, Goethe-Institut is able to carry out tasks centered on foreign culture and educational policies. The center also engages in activities as a partner to Germany’s private and public cultural organizations, the federal government, and local communities.

Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (반포대교 달빛무지개분수)

6.9Km 2024-10-30

40, Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0578

The Rainbow Fountain plunges 20 meters into the water on both side of Banpo Bridge over the Han River. When the sun goes down, 200 lights illuminate the fountain as it sends out dancing, rainbow-colored jets of water in the air in synchronization with music. The fountain boasts spectacular views from the hills, the Hangang River observation deck, and the moon-shaped Moonlight Square. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain operates every day from April to October, four to six times a day for 20 minutes.

Banpo Seoraeseom Island (반포 서래섬)

6.9Km 2018-02-02

40, Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Banpo Seoraeseom Island is an artificial island built in the mid-1980s. Located in Banpo-jigu District by the Hangang riverside, the island is connected to Hangang Banpo Park by three bridges. The island features weeping willows along the edges, as well as a migratory bird habitat, flower garden, water ski site, and more.

Hakrim (학림)

6.9Km 2023-12-22

119, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-2877

Hakrim has been in business since its first opening in 1956. It is a special place that has shared its history with the people involved in arts such as theater and dance and intellectuals from nearby universities who flocked to the café after liberation and the Korean War. There is a sign saying “Seoul Future Heritage” hanging at the entrance that demonstrates its historical value. Visitors can observe traces of the past from mementos of people who stopped by, including graffiti on the wall and photos of prominent writers of the time. The café became even more famous as it was used as a filming location for several dramas, including “My Love from the Star (2013)” and “Reply 1988 (2015).” The signature menu here is Vienna coffee and cream cheesecake, which is topped with cute illustrations.

Jeonjujip (전주집)

6.9Km 2024-10-15

16-15 Supyo-ro, 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2278-3311

A store featured several times in Korean gourmet programs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is kimchi cabbage wraps with pork and oysters.

Banjeo (반저)

6.9Km 2021-03-29

56, Daehak-ro 8ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-9779

It's a great place to hold group dining and group meetings. This restaurant's signature menu is steamed pumpkin. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Jongmyodaeje (Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite of Joseon) (종묘대제) - Area information - Korea travel information