Introduction to Jongmyo Shrine and Sajikdan Altar in Seoul, Korea

 

Delve into Korea's heritage at Jongmyo Shrine and Sajikdan Altar. The sacred shrine honors kings and queens, dating back to the 14th century, while Sajikdan Altar, rooted in the Joseon Dynasty, reveres land and harvest gods. These sites mirror Confucian values, embodying Korea's spiritual essence.

 

Table of Contents

• Jongmyo Shrine
• Architectural Grandeur
• The Rituals of Respect
• Admission Information
• Sajikdan Altar
• Architectural Significance
• Between Sajikdan Altar and Jongmyo Shrine

 

 

 

Jongmyo Shrine: Honoring the Ancestors

Jongmyo Shrine, located in Seoul, South Korea, stands as a sacred Confucian place of worship dedicated to the ancestral spirits of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. This architectural marvel dates back to the 14th century and holds immense historical and cultural significance. Positioned adjacent to the Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces, Jongmyo Shrine offers a window into the solemn rituals and beliefs that shaped Korea's rich heritage.

 

 

 

 

Architectural Grandeur

Built in 1395, Jongmyo Shrine's design is a masterful representation of Confucian principles. The complex consists of distinct buildings, notably the Jeongjeon (Main Hall) and Yeongnyeongjeon (Hall of Eternal Peace), each with a unique purpose. The Jeongjeon houses the ancestral tablets of the kings and queens, while the Yeongnyeongjeon is devoted to honor posthumously designated kings and queens.

The architecture emphasizes simplicity and solemnity, aligning with Confucian ideals. The distinct lack of extravagant decoration showcases the focus on the spiritual connection between the rulers and their ancestors. Renowned architect Frank Gehry himself marveled at the space, acknowledging its unique grandeur that is hard to find anywhere else in the world.

 

 

 

 

The Rituals of Respect

Jongmyo Shrine's significance is reflected in its rituals, which are meticulously upheld. The Jongmyo Jerye, a grand ancestral ritual, is held annually to honor the spirits. The meticulous preparations, guided by strict protocols, involve music, dance, and offerings. The exquisite Jongmyo Jeryeak music, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, accompanies these ceremonies, adding an ethereal dimension to the experience.

 

 

 

 

Admission Information

Guided Tours (Weekdays)

Language	time
Korean	09:20, 10:20, 11:20, 12:20, 13:20, 14:20, 15:20, 16:20 (16:40 Mar.～Sep.)
English	10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00
Japanese	09:40, 11:40, 13:40, 15:40
Chinese	11:00, 15:00

※ Only guided tours are available on weekdays. (Tour duration is approximately 1 hour.)
※ Guided tours in foreign languages are available only for foreigners and Koreans accompanying

 

General Admission

	Ticket sales	Opening hours
Feb.~May	09:00~17:00	09:00~18:00
Jun.~Aug.	09:00~17:30	09:00~18:30
Sep.~Oct.	09:00~17:00	09:00~18:00
Nov.~Jan.	09:00~16:30	09:00~17:30

※ Closed on Tuesdays (If Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the next day.)
※ Sundays / Culture Day : Tours offered same as weekdays
※ Saturdays / National Holidays : Only Korean tours offered. (10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00)

 

Admission Fees

 Adult (age 19~64): KRW 1,000 
※ Under age 19 / Adult age 65 and above: Free (Valid ID card required for a free ticket) 
※ Free admission on Culture Day 

※ Combination tickets for Jongmyo Shrine and 4 palaces: Adult KRW 10,000 / Youth KRW 5,000 (Valid for 3 months)

 

For inquiries:

Tel. +82-2-765-0195

Sajikdan Altar: Nurturing the Land

The Sajikdan Altar, nestled in the heart of Seoul, complements Jongmyo Shrine's spiritual essence. Constructed during the early days of the Joseon Dynasty, the altar symbolizes the bond between the ruler and the land. Sajikdan's purpose is to perform rituals to honor the gods of the earth and harvest, highlighting the profound importance of agriculture in the Korean way of life.

 

※ Admission Information : Sajikdan Altar: Open 24 hours. Admission is free.

  

 

 

Architectural Grandeur

Enclosed by double walls, Sajikdan Altar is a serene sanctuary offering homage to the spirits. The eastern side is devoted to the god of the earth, while the western side is dedicated to the god of the harvest. The arrangement adheres to the traditional Confucian principle of balance. The altar's layout reflects the ancient belief that the earth is round and the heavens are square, an embodiment of harmony with nature.

 

 

 

 

 

The Distinction Between Sajikdan Altar and Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo Shrine venerates the ancestral tablets of kings and queens, whereas Sajikdan Altar hosts rituals for land and grain deities. Sajikdan's eastward altar honors the land god, while the westward one pays homage to the grain deity, both facing north. Rooted in Confucian values of the Joseon era, emphasizing farming as fundamental, Sajikdan's significance parallels ancestral reverence. Following the traditional "left shrine, right altar" principle for capital cities, Sajikdan adheres faithfully.

Sajikdan Altar, prioritizing the gods overseeing the kingdom, holds greater importance than Jongmyo Shrine. Even if Jongmyo rituals were omitted, Sajikdan rituals were upheld. Until the Korean Empire introduced the Hwangudan Altar for heavenly rituals, Sajikdan remained preeminent. The connection between these sites and the nation was so profound that "Jongmyo-Sajik" symbolized the country, embodying its spiritual essence and continuity.

 

 

 

 Embrace the Legacy

Jongmyo Shrine and Sajikdan Altar stand as testament to Korea's reverence for its history and spiritual heritage. They invite visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions that have shaped the nation's identity. The rituals, architecture, and cultural practices exhibited at these sites offer a glimpse into the soul of Korea, a journey through time that captivates and enriches the soul of anyone who seeks to explore the depths of this captivating land.