Jongmyo Shrine served as the venue for the royal ancestral rites during the Joseon period. Unesco inscribed Jongmyo on its World Heritage List in 1995. The construction of Jongmyo Shrine was completed in 1395 before that of the main palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace. Jongmyo Shrine is the supreme shrine of the state [...]]]>

Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo Shrine served as the venue for the royal ancestral rites during the Joseon period. Unesco inscribed Jongmyo on its World Heritage List in 1995. The construction of Jongmyo Shrine was completed in 1395 before that of the main palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace. Jongmyo Shrine is the supreme shrine of the state where the tablets of royal ancestors are enshrined and memorial services are performed for deceased kings and queens.

There are 83 spirit tablets of the kings and queens enshrined either in the Main Hall (Jeongjeon) or the Hall of Eternal Peace (Yeongnyeong-jeon). The Hall of Eternal Peace was built in 1421 after the Main Hall ran out of space. Subsequently, the two buildings were expanded several times resulting in their uniquely long linear shape today.

In addition to the two shrine halls, the Jongmyo compound has various halls that were used when preparing for the rites. The layout and structures of Jongmyo Shrine are very simple. The spirit chambers inside the halls where the spirit tablets are enshrined are decorated inside but the shrine halls have minimal adornment and project a sense of dignity and solemnity.

The Main Hall (Jeongjeon) is listed as National Treasure No. 227 and is the longest building of traditional desgin in Korea.

In Jeseon, a strict Confucian society, ceremonies to deceased ancestors were the most important of all rites. The ceremonies were presided over by the King and served as a model for all sacrificial rites in the dynasty. The ceremony has three distinct phases:
1. Welcoming of the Spirits
2. Entertaining them
3. Ushering them out
The ceremony previously was conducted five times a year but since 1971 it has been held on the first Sunday in May.

Opening Hours / Admission:
Closed on Tuesdays.
March – September: 09:00 – 18:00
October – February: 09:00 – 17:30
On weekdays and Sundays you can only enter the shrine with a guided tour.
Guided Tours
Korean – 9 times a day / 09:20 – 16:20 (every hour), (17:00 March to September only)
English – 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00
Japanese – 09:00, 09:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, (16:40 March to September only)
Chinese – 11:00, 15:00
On Saturdays you are free to wander around Jongmyo by yourself.

Admission:
Adults (19 and over): 1,000 won
Children: 500 won

How to get to Jongmyo Shrine:
Take line 1, 3 or 5 to Jongno 3 (sam)-ga station and leave exit 7 or 11 and follow the map below.

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of [...]]]>

Changdeokgung Palace

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea monitor, decide and protect the National Treasures. The treasures are numbered according to the order in which they were designated not according to their individual value.

On February 10th, 2008 National Treasure No. 1 was destroyed. Namdaemun Gate which was designated as the first National Treasure of Korea on December 20th, 1962 was destroyed by an arson attack.

Injeongjeon Hall in Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul was designated as National Treasure No. 226 on Janurary the 8th, 1985. Injeongjeon is the throne, which was used for holding the most formal of state events such as audiences with ministers, coronation ceremonies and receptions of foreign envoys. The plum blossom pattern on the roof was added in 1897 to symbolise the imperial status of the Great Han Empire.

Injeongjeon Hall is located in Changdeok Palace.

Admission:
Changdeokgung Palace
Adults : 3,000won
Children : 1,500won

Opening hours:
April – October 09:00 – 18:30
March & November 09:00~17:30
December – February 09:00~17:00

How to get Chandeok Palace:
There are many subway stations located nearby. Check the map for your best route.
- From Exit #3 of Anguk Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 3), walk 5 minutes.
- From Exit #6 of Jongno 3-ga Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 1, 3 and 5), walk 10 minutes.

Ewha Womans University Museum was opened on April 6th, 1935 as part of the effort to preserve Korean cultural heritage in the midst of the Japanese occupation with donations coming from it’s faculty and students. During the Korean war the museum’s contents were moved to Pilsenggak, the main hall of Ewha’s temporary campus in the [...]]]>

Ewha Museum Entrance

Ewha Womans University Museum was opened on April 6th, 1935 as part of the effort to preserve Korean cultural heritage in the midst of the Japanese occupation with donations coming from it’s faculty and students. During the Korean war the museum’s contents were moved to Pilsenggak, the main hall of Ewha’s temporary campus in the city of Busan. When Seoul was regained the museum was moved back to Ewha University. The museum was moved to its current location in 1990. Over the years the Museum was expanded to add a Modern Art Gallery and Special Exhibition Hall.

The museum holds an extensive collection of Korean cultural heritage items ranging from prehistoric Korea to modern times including the Jeseon Period. It houses one National Treasure, the “White Porcelain Jar with Grapevine Design“. On the basement floor you can find artifacts that were donated to the museum. The 1st floor is the permanent exhibition hall which shows us a glimpse into the life of people during the Jeseon Dynasty. The 2nd floor has the modern art gallery and the special exhibition hall. Every few months different exhibition are held here. Currently until the 23rd of July, 2011 they are showcasing traditional and modern artifacts from Korea, China and Japan.

Check out their website for more information Ewha Museum Website.

Opening Hours / Admission:
Monday – Saturday 9:30 – 17:00
Closed Sundays, National Holidays and Summer / Winter Breaks.

Admission is free.

How to get Ewha Womans University Museum:
Take line to Ewha Womans University station and leave exit 2 or 3 and continue walking straight until you reach the university.

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of [...]]]>

National Treasure No. 107 Korea

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea monitor, decide and protect the National Treasures. The treasures are numbered according to the order in which they were designated not according to their individual value.

On February 10th, 2008 National Treasure No. 1 was destroyed. Namdaemun Gate which was designated as the first National Treasure of Korea on December 20th, 1962 was destroyed by an arson attack.

I had the chance to view and picture National Treasure No. 107. It is located in the free museum at Ewha Womans University. Treasure 107 is a Jar with Grapevine Design in Underglaze Iron. It is from the Jeseon Period in the 18th century. It stands at a height of 53.3cm

How to get to Ewha Womans Museum:
Take line to Ewha Womans University station and leave exit 2 or 3 and continue walking straight until you reach the university.

Naksan Mountain / park is located near Hyehwa station on line 4. It is located inside the Seoul Fortress Wall and the mountain’s beauty was enjoyed by the Jeseon Royal family. During the Japanese occupation of Korea most of the mountain was destroyed to make way for urban planning. On June 10th, 2002  Naksan was [...]]]>

Naksan Mountain

Naksan Mountain / park is located near Hyehwa station on line 4. It is located inside the Seoul Fortress Wall and the mountain’s beauty was enjoyed by the Jeseon Royal family. During the Japanese occupation of Korea most of the mountain was destroyed to make way for urban planning. On June 10th, 2002  Naksan was designated a park in order to save any natural beauty that was left. In January 2011 a new trail was opened on Naksan Mountain. A section of the Seoul Fortress wall was rebuilt and repaired making the total length of the wall 2km in this area. The Government of Seoul hope to bring more tourist by completing a trail along the Seoul Fortress wall by the end of 2012. The trail will follow the 20km route of the wall and show a path full of history and culture.

Naksan mountain is just over 100 meters high. To get to the top you can take two routes. The winding route with a gradual slope or the stairs which go straight up. At the start of the trail you can find Naksan Gallery (open 9 – 5), a small stage area, a parking lot, a shop and some benches to relax on. On the trail up the mountain you will come across a lot of trees, flowers and exercise machines. Half way up the mountain you will find many pavilions where people have picnics and take in the wonderful view of Seoul.

At the top of the mountain you can see the Seoul Fortress Wall. This wall was built in the Jeseon Dynasty to protect from invasion. From here you can get a great view of Seoul City.

How to get to Naksan Mountain:
Take line 4 to Hyehwa station and leave exit 2. From there you can find signs pointing towards Naksan Park. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
The park is open 24 hours.

Heunginjimun Gate is located in Dongdaemun in Seoul.  Heunginjinmun Gate was the East Gate of the capital Seoul and built in 1398. The current Heunginjimun Gate was rebuilt in 1869. At that time, four large gates and four small gates were built in the fortress walls surrounding the city. The gatehouse is a two story [...]]]>

Heunginjimun Gate AKA Dongdaemun Gate

Heunginjimun Gate is located in Dongdaemun in Seoul.  Heunginjinmun Gate was the East Gate of the capital Seoul and built in 1398. The current Heunginjimun Gate was rebuilt in 1869. At that time, four large gates and four small gates were built in the fortress walls surrounding the city. The gatehouse is a two story building and part of the original Fortress wall that ran around Seoul city.

The most unusual characteristic of the gate is that it has a specially built outer wall, Ongseong. Ongseong was built to prevent the gate from being seen and also served to protect the gate. Because of Heunginjimun is situated in a low and flat region of Seoul, the gate was an easy target for invaders. To compensate for this topographic weakness, Ongseong was constructed. In addition to the practical role of the wall, Ongseong is also a beautiful addition to the gate.

How to get to Heunginjimun Gate:
Take line 1 or 4 to Dongdaemun Station and leave exit 6

Dongdaemun History and Culture Park is being built as a historical and cultural theme park where Seoul’s history comes to life. The park’s site was the location of the Seoul Fortress wall and Hadomateo (a military camp site) in the Jeseon Dynasty. Then in 1925, as the invasion of Japan’s Imperial Army was in full [...]]]>

Dongdaemun History and Culture Park

Dongdaemun History and Culture Park is being built as a historical and cultural theme park where Seoul’s history comes to life. The park’s site was the location of the Seoul Fortress wall and Hadomateo (a military camp site) in the Jeseon Dynasty. Then in 1925, as the invasion of Japan’s Imperial Army was in full swing, the castle walls were destroyed. The Japanese army built and opened Gyungsung stadium in 1926 to celebrate the matrimony of  the Japanese Crown Prince. Over the years the stadium changed names and expanded. Dongdaemun had been with Seoulites for 83 years before its demolition on December 18th, 2007.

After the demolition, excavation work began to restore parts of the old castle. Also work began on the Dongdaemun Culture and History Park. The buildings and park were designed by Zaha Hadid who won the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. See above picture.

Currently only half of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park is open. It was officially opened on  October 27th, 2009 to the public. At the moment you can take a walk around the park area, see the Seoul fortress wall and relic excavation site. Three new buildings have also been opened.

The Dongdaemun Stadium Memorial: This memorial holds permanent exhibitions reviving peoples memory of Dongdaemun Stadium and the surrounding area. You can also find out information about the sporting events held here over the years.

The Dongadaemun History Museum: This museum was built to preserve and exhibit the historical relics excavated from the site during the construction of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. A total of 2,778 items were discovered.

The Event Hall: The event hall was built as a place where Seoul Citizens can come together and share ideas about design, architecture, fashion, art, culture and history. Every month different exhibitions take place. Outside the event hall there is a small open air theatre and a cafe.

The rest of the Dongaemun Park will be opened at the end of 2011. This will include the completion of the park area, restoration work and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This will be the main facility and centre piece of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. The DDP will be a complex of modern facilities housed in a building ( 4 above ground and 3 underground floors) that includes two multi-purpose convention halls, a design exhibition hall, design museum, design DIY centre, future design centre, information education centre, design resource centre and digital archive.

Admission / Opening Hours:
Admission is free.
10:00 to 21:00 Monday to Sunday. Closed on New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year’s Day and Chuseok.

How to get to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park:
Take the line 2, 4 or 5 to Dongdaemun Culture and History Park Station and leave exit 1 or 2. You can’t miss it.