Experience the Sacred Majesty of Jongmyo Shrine

Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Seoul with a journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Jongmyo Shrine. Discover the profound beauty of Joseon Dynasty history through expert-led walking tours and cultural sightseeing experiences. Whether you are seeking a peaceful historical retreat or a deep dive into Korean heritage, our curated tours offer unparalleled access to this sacred landmark. From informative guided tours to private cultural explorations, experience the extraordinary serenity and architectural majesty of Seoul's most revered shrine. Book your authentic Korean cultural experience today!

4.8/5 avg ratingTours from $27.868 unique experiencesPrivate tours available

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.8★ average

Based on 170 pooled reviews with ~98% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$61–$227 typical

Median price is $92, with a full range of $28–$238

Tour Length

Tour Length

2.3–8.6 hours

Median duration is 6 hours

Tour Type

Tour Type

Walking & Cultural

62% are walking tours and 75% focus on cultural themes

Tour Format

Tour Format

Private & Guided options

38% are private tours and 50% are guided

Eco-Friendly

Eco-Friendly

62% eco-friendly

A majority of available options are tagged eco-friendly

8 Products

Explore Hidden Seoul with a Historian & Photographer
$57
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Explore Hidden Seoul with a Historian & Photographer
Summary

Experience Seoul like never before with a historian guide and a professional photographer! This 2-3 hour walking tour takes you through Seoul’s most scenic and culturally rich locations, where you’ll learn about Korea’s fascinating history while capturing stunning golden-hour photos. From the grand...

Inclusions
  • Color tone Edited digital photos (+50 high-quality shots per person)
  • Photo Downloadable Microsoft One drive Link (One month available)
  • Professional Photoshoot at key locations
  • Color tone Edited digital group photos (+5 high-quality shots per person)
Itinerary
  • Jongmyo Shrine
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream
  • Ikseon-dong Hanok Street
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Seoul Must-See Highlights Walking Tour - Private & Customizable
6 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
$65
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Seoul Must-See Highlights Walking Tour - Private & Customizable
Summary

Welcome! I am a certified tour guide with 30+ years of experience in a foreign diplomatic mission. My goal is not just to show you places, but to share the 'heart' of Seoul with a warm and empathetic spirit. [Why this tour is special] ▶️A Trusted Local Expert: My long career in a diplomatic environ...

Inclusions
  • Local tips and restaurant recommendations
  • Hidden local spots and photo locations
  • English-speaking licensed guide
  • Traditional snack pack as a welcome gift
Exclusions
  • Transportation, entrance fees, meals, and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
Itinerary
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • Bukchon Hanok Village
  • Kwangjang Market
  • Changdeokgung
  • Jongmyo Shrine
  • Changgyeonggung Palace
  • Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, After or even before booking, please let me know the areas or places you would like to visit. I will help customize a walking route based on your interests and pace for a relaxed and personal experience., You can contact me via WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, Viber, or email. Please make sure to provide the correct contact information.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Yellow Balloon City Bus: Dongdaemun Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Summary

Appreciate the cultural beauty of Dongdaemun with these convenient and efficient 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tickets that cover 15 stops. Exchange your pass for a ticket at the Ticket Box in front of Exit 1 of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station (Line 2, 4, 5) before they board the bus. Schedul...

Inclusions
  • - 1-day hop-on hop-off pass
Private Unesco Tour in Seoul with Guide
$241
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Private Unesco Tour in Seoul with Guide
Summary

Embark on a remarkable journey through Seoul's UNESCO heritage sites, where you'll delve into the city's rich history and marvel at its architectural masterpieces.

Inclusions
  • Pick up & drop off at accommodations in Seoul
  • Entrance fees
  • Professional licensed guide
Exclusions
  • Insurance
Itinerary
  • Changdeokgung Palace
  • Changdeokgung Palace
  • Jongmyo Shrine
  • Seolleung & Jeongneung Royal Tomb
  • Gwangjang Market
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Specialized infant seats are available, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, The listed amount of time that will be spent at each site is an estimation. You can adjust as you like, as long as the touring day ends within the 9.5 hours listed., During your day, you will spend about 2 hours moving from location to location. You will also have about 1 hour for a stop for lunch. All told, everything will add up to 9.5 hours total., Infant seats for children 3 and under are available on request, but subject to availability. Please contact us to make sure we have one available on your tour date.
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Half or Day Private Tour For Cruise Incheon and Seoul City Tour
8 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
$225
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Half or Day Private Tour For Cruise Incheon and Seoul City Tour
Summary

The name Gyeongbokgung contains the meaning that "the new dynasty will enjoy great fortune and prosper." The Gyeongbokgung Palace tour provides an opportunity to increase your understanding of Korean culture. In addition, Gyeongbokgung Palace offers traditional performances such as the Changing of ...

Inclusions
  • Even for tours of 1 to 4 people, we provide a 7-seater jumbo taxi. (If not available, Regular taxi.)
  • No additional charge for drop-off in Incheon Airport, Seoul Airport, Incheon City, Seoul City).
  • Air-conditioned vehicle/ All admission fees are included
  • Tour is conducted best driver who has a lot of experience in foreign tours & speaks a little English
  • We will recommend tours to the Seoul tour locations that customers want first.
  • If we have time, we can change the Day tour course as per your request.
  • We always provide taxis registered in south of Korea.(All taxis include transportation insurance.)
Exclusions
  • Gratuities not included (Recommend )/ Food and drink / personal Expenses
Itinerary
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • National Folk Museum of Korea
  • Bukchon Hanok Village
  • Insadong
  • Changgyeonggung Palace
  • DMZ
  • Kwangjang Market
  • The War Memorial of Korea
  • Sungnyemun Gate
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream
  • Jongmyo Shrine
  • Bugak Skyway
  • South Korea
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is closed on every Tuesday. Instead, you will visit Changdeokgung Palace, Royal Guard Changing Ceremony may not available during rainy days or typhoons (Bad weather), Even if it is a tour for 1 to 4 people, This tour is always conducted in a 7-passenger jumbo taxi. If the tour does not end with a cruise, your luggage will be loaded onto the vehicle at the start of the tour and dropped off at the airport or hotel in Incheon or Seoul. There is ample trunk space to store your luggage., The drive from Incheon Cruise to downtown Seoul may take longer due to traffic congestion. We appreciate your understanding., Bukak Sky Palgakjeong Pavilion, a hanok-style pavilion perched atop Bukaksan Mountain at an elevation of 342 meters, is a prime tourist attraction in the heart of Seoul, boasting a prime location. Opened in September 1968, the Bukak Skyway is a renowned driving route to Bukak Palgakjeong. The approximately 19km-long scenic road stretches northeast along the ridge of Bukaksan, Seoul's main peak. Bukak Palgakjeong offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including Bukhansan's Bibong and Munsubong peaks, while the other offers a breathtaking view of Seoul, nestled against the backdrop of Namsan Mountain. The pavilion offers well-maintained street trees and approximately 100,000 ornamental trees, each blooming with seasonal flowers, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul and the Namsan Ring Road. A rest area is provided midway along the ridgeline, offering a chance to pause and re-evaluate the breathtaking views of Seoul. It serves as a tourist course that shows Seoul at a glance to domestic and foreign visitors who come to Seoul from far away., Seoul is full of various foods. The joy of exploring delicious restaurants with foreign friends is truly special. It is a great pleasure to share each other's reactions while tasting traditional Korean food such as tteokbokki, kimbap, and bibimbap. The moment a friend tries kimchi for the first time, the expression on his face is bound to make him smile. These small things come together to create special memories., A Seoul foreign tour can be a special experience for many people. The charming scenery and culture of Seoul shine even brighter when you share it with friends of different nationalities. These special moments become even more precious as people from different backgrounds come together to create a single story. As you experience Seoul’s historical sites and modern attractions at the same time, the bonds you build with new friends deepen over time., Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace is the place where the king's coronation ceremony and other ceremonies were held during the Joseon Dynasty. It is called 'Gyeongbokgung Geunjeongjeon Hall'. It is the palace where the king came out and held a court meeting., Gyeonghoeru in Gyeongbokgung Palace is a place that retains its elegant appearance, where the king held banquets with his subjects and entertained foreign envoys., The National Hangeul Museum is closed for construction until October 8, 2025., The National Museum of Korea is closed every Wednesday (opening hours are 10:00 to 18:00), Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday, and if Tuesday is a national holiday, it is closed the following day (opening hours are 9:00 to 18:00), Tongin Market near Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul is closed every Tuesday and every third Sunday. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the back gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace to Tongin Market., Insadong Places to Visit Ssamzigil is a specialized craft shopping mall that opened in December 2004 and has been operating for 20 years. You can see the highest quality craft works made by Korea's human cultural assets., Insa-dong is a precious space where old but precious traditional items are exchanged in the city center. In Insa-dong has alleys intertwined like a maze around a large main street. This maze is densely packed with galleries, traditional craft shops, antique shops, traditional tea houses, traditional restaurants, and cafes. In particular, the shops in Insa-dong are very popular with young people and middle-aged people alike for their unique style. Among them, galleries are the center that has continued the pulse of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries here, and you can enjoy various exhibitions ranging from Korean paintings to prints and sculptures. Representative galleries include Hakgojae, which played a central role in folk art, Gana Gallery, which became a home for talented artists, and Gana Art Center. If you want to conveniently visit only the famous galleries in Insa-dong, take the Art Museum Shuttle Bus. You can visit about 10 famous galleries at a low price. Along with galleries, Insa-dong streets are filled with traditional tea houses and restaurants. They may be hard to find at first, but if you take a leisurely stroll through the alleys, it is very fun. Insa-dong is designated as a car-free street every Saturday and Sunday, and has been reborn as a cultural space for citizens. On this day, not only the existing stores but also the streets are filled with traditional performances and exhibitions, as well as candy vendors and fortune tellers. Those who find joy in this are foreigners who have flocked from all over the world. Foreign tourists who come to see Korea’s traditional culture look at antiques or buy antique art in traditional stores. They also buy candy on the street and eat traditional pajeon. You can also see many foreigners who are captivated by the charm of tradition in the city. Detailed information Request for modification of tourist information Insa-dong is a precious space where old but precious traditional items are exchanged in the city. In Insa-dong, there are alleys intertwined like a maze centered around a large street. In this maze, there are galleries, traditional craft shops, antique shops, traditional tea houses, traditional restaurants, and cafes. In particular, the stores in Insa-dong are very popular with young people as well as middle-aged people because of their unique charm. Among them, galleries are the center that has continued the tradition of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries here, and you can enjoy various exhibitions from Korean paintings to prints and sculptures. Representative galleries include Hakgojae, which played a central role in folk art, Gana Gallery, which became a home for talented artists, and Gana Art Center. If you want to conveniently visit only the famous galleries in Insa-dong, take the Art Museum Shuttle Bus. You can visit about 10 famous galleries at a low price. Along with the galleries, Insa-dong Street is filled with traditional tea houses and restaurants. They may be hard to find at first, but if you take a leisurely stroll through the alleys, it is very fun. Insa-dong is designated as a car-free street every Saturday and Sunday, and has been reborn as a cultural space for citizens. On this day, not only existing stores but also the streets are filled with traditional performances, exhibitions, candy vendors, and old men who read fortunes. Those who find joy in this are foreigners who have flocked from all over the world. Foreign tourists who come to see Korea's traditional culture look at antiques or buy antique art in traditional stores. And you can see many foreigners who are immersed in the charm of tradition in the city center by buying street candy and eating traditional pajeon., Imjingak. Upon arrival, purchase an admission ticket and join other guests on a bus tour operated by Imjingak to the following three locations. You can gain a deeper understanding and empathy for the soldiers, families, and refugees who participated in the war through the DMZ video and exhibition hall. Dorasan Observatory is located at the front line of the DMZ, and is the closest place to observe the Kaesong City and Kaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea. The Third Tunnel was discovered on October 17, 1978, within the Demilitarized Zone based on intelligence from a North Korean defector who was working on a tunnel. It is estimated to be 1.2 km west of the Military Demarcation Line, and is located approximately 1.6 km south by excavating an average of 73 m of rock layer underground. It is an arch-shaped structure with a width of 2 m and a height of 2 m, and is only 52 km from Seoul. For the safety of tourists, only 265 m is open to the public., This is also because it is a place where people from countries that participated in the Korean War, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, can feel deeply moved because it has a facility that commemorates and pays tribute to each and every one of the veterans along with large flags of the countries that participated in the Korean War as part of the United Nations forces in 1950, and monuments for each of them. It is a must-visit place for foreign veterans or their descendants visiting Korea. When descendants of veterans come to Korea, they are often moved to see the names of their ancestors, who are not remembered in their home country, proudly engraved on the walls of the War Memorial of Korea, and they often diligently make rubbings of them., Jongmyo information Jongmyo is the tomb of kings with long reigns. It was originally built to house the tombs of the five kings including Taejo, his father and grandfather. A total of 19 chambers enshrine the spirit tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Kings with short reigns are enshrined in separate places. Jongmyo, where the ancestral tablets of the kings are enshrined and ancestral rites are performed, was an extremely important place in the history of Joseon. When a new king ascended to the throne, he first went to Jongmyo and Sajik to bow and perform ancestral rites. Jongmyo has a simple structure with long, connected rooms, creating a grand and solemn beauty. The ancestral rite held here, Jongmyo Daeje (宗廟大祭), was a national event that had been held since the Three Kingdoms period and was the basis of the national ruling order. Jongmyo Jerye was designated as Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 56 in 1975, and UNESCO designated Jongmyo as a World Cultural Heritage in 1995. If the architecture of the palace is splendid, Jongmyo is quiet and elegant. In particular, the architectural beauty of the gable roof boasts outstanding traditional Korean architectural techniques. Jongmyo consists of Jeongjeon, where ancestral tablets are enshrined and ancestral rites are performed, Yeongnyeongjeon, which contains the meaning of long-term peace for the ancestors and descendants, Jeonsacheong, Eosuksil, Hyangdaecheong, and Shindang. It is seen as a time to honor and remember ancestors by offering food with courtesy to ancestors, and a time for families and descendants to learn, The essential meaning of courtesy is to distinguish between the superior and inferior, the noble and the humble, the high and the low, the old and the young, and so on. When these distinctions become clear, each will be respected and harmony can be achieved. Specifically, it is said that respect follows only after the distinction between the monarch and the subject, parents and children, siblings, and men and women, and when this distinction order is in harmony, the world will be peaceful. For this reason, in ancient society, courtesy was considered the foundation of politics. There were times when etiquette and law were in conflict with each other, but as Confucianism emerged in earnest, the idea of etiquette became established as an absolute means of governance. The practical act of this etiquette is the ancestral rite. Jongmyo Jerye, National Intangible Cultural Heritage Jongmyo Daeje is a ritual performed at Jongmyo, the national shrine of Joseon and a World Heritage site, to honor the spirit tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. It is also called Jongmyo Daeje because it is the largest and most important of all ceremonies. Jongmyo Daeje was performed five times a year, in spring, summer, fall, winter, and on the last day of the lunar calendar, but it is currently performed on the first Sunday of May and the first Saturday of November. Jongmyo Daeje is a comprehensive ritual that is rare in the world, where one can appreciate not only the ancestral rite but also tangible and intangible world heritages such as ritual music and dance.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Jongmyo Shrine Free Tour in Seoul: UNESCO Heritage & Hidden Narrative
Summary

Don’t miss Korea’s Parthenon! This expert-led tour explores Jongmyo, a UNESCO minimalist masterpiece. Experience the true Korean spirit on a relaxed walk through the sacred site architects love. A profound, must-see cultural journey!

Inclusions
  • Jongmyo Shrine
  • Entrance Fee
  • Hidden Temple
Seoul: Changdeokgung Palace & Jongmyo Shrine Walking Tour
Summary

Explore Seoul’s royal heritage at Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Walk with a guide to uncover Joseon Dynasty history, traditions and hidden cultural stories

Seoul: Gyeongbokgung, Jongmyo Shrine, COEX, Bongeunsa Temple
Summary

Enjoy Korea's authentic architecture and culture at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine and Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs that reflect Confucianism, and Bongeunsa Temple & Seoul's modern city landscape.

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