Korean Dictionary
How to say "Jongmyo Shrine" in Korean
“Jongmyo Shrine” in Korean is 종묘 (pronounced "jongmyo").
종묘
jongmyo
Usage & Context
Jongmyo is a Confucian royal shrine in Seoul that houses the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest preserved royal shrines in East Asia. The Jongmyo Jerye ceremony performed there is also a UNESCO heritage.
Example Sentence
종묘는 조선 왕들의 위패를 모신 왕실 사당이에요.
Jongmyo is a royal shrine that houses the spirit tablets of Joseon kings.
How to use 종묘 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Jongmyo Shrine” is 종묘, romanized as jongmyo.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 종묘.
Pronunciation Guide
"Jong" sounds like the 'jong' in 'jongleur' or 'long' with a 'j' sound. "Myo" sounds like 'my-oh,' similar to 'my' followed by 'oh.' The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on 'jong'.
More Example Sentences
Explaining the cultural significance of Jongmyo's rituals.
종묘 제례악은 유네스코 무형문화유산이에요.
Jongmyo Jeryeak (ritual music) is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A tourist planning their itinerary.
이번 서울 여행 때 종묘에 꼭 가보고 싶어요.
I definitely want to visit Jongmyo on this trip to Seoul.
A guide or local recommending a historical site.
종묘는 조선 왕실의 역사와 문화를 느낄 수 있는 곳이죠.
Jongmyo is a place where you can feel the history and culture of the Joseon royal family.
Cultural Context
Jongmyo is not just a historical site; it's a living heritage. The Jongmyo Jerye (Royal Ancestral Ritual) and Jongmyo Jeryeak (its accompanying music) are still performed annually, preserving ancient traditions. Many Koreans visit during these ceremonies to witness the solemn beauty and historical depth, making it a unique experience compared to other palaces. It's often seen as a place of quiet reverence rather than grand spectacle.
Editorial note
We review entries like 종묘 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
종묘 제례
Jongmyo ancestral ritual
종묘에 가다
To go to Jongmyo
종묘와 사직
Jongmyo and Sajik (symbolic of the nation/state)
Related Expressions
경복궁
Gyeongbokgung
Gyeongbokgung Palace (another major Joseon royal site)
창덕궁
Changdeokgung
Changdeokgung Palace (another major Joseon royal site, often visited with Jongmyo)
사당
sadang
Shrine (general term)
위패
wipae
Spirit tablet (what's housed in Jongmyo)
More Korean History Words
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