Jongmyo Shrine

Why go?

From Wikipedia:
Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine dedicated to the perpetuation of memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Korean Joseon Dynasty(1392–1897). According to UNESCO, the shrine is the oldest royal Confucian shrine preserved and the ritual ceremonies continue a tradition established in the 14th century. Such shrines existed during the Three Kingdoms of Korea period (57-668), but these have not survived. The Jongmyo Shrine was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995.

Also mentioned in

• World Heritage Site

How to go?

By subway

• Jongno-3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1) Exit 11. 10-min walk from station.

When to go?
Closed on Tue

Duration required
1-2 hours

Tips

• There are different timings for guide tours of different languages. Joining guide tour is required to enter Jongmyo Shrine 

Websites
http://jm.cha.go.kr/n_jm/index.html
Tripadvisor
KTO

Changdeokgung Palace

Why go?
From Wikipedia: 
Changdeokgung (Hangul, 창덕궁, 昌德宮; literally, "Prospering Virtue Palace") -- also known as Changdeokgung Palace or Changdeok Palace -- is set within a large park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). As it is located east of Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeokgung, along with Changgyeonggung, is also referred to as the "East Palace" (동궐, 東闕, Donggwol). Changdeokgung was the most favored palace of many Joseon princes and retained many elements dating from the Three Kingdoms of Korea period that were not incorporated in the more contemporary Gyeongbokgung. One such element is the fact that the buildings of Changdeokgung blend with the natural topography of the site instead of imposing themselves upon it. It, like the other Five Grand Palaces in Seoul, was heavily damaged during theJapanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945). Currently, only about 30% of the pre-Japanese structures survive.

Also mentioned in

• World Heritage Site
• Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice
• Lonely Planet

How to go?

By subway

• Anguk Station (Line 3) Exit 3.Walk for 5min
• Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1, 3 or 5) Exit 7. Walk along Donhwamun-ro Street for 10min.

When to go?
Closed on Mon

09:00 to 18:00 - Feb / May / Sep to Oct
09:00 to 18:30 - Jun to Aug
09:00 to 17:30 - Nov to Jan

Duration required
2 - 4 hours, depending if you join the Secret Garden guide tour

Tips

• Joining the guide tour is recommended
• There are different timings for guide tours of different languages
• You can only enter the Secret Garden if you join the guide tour

Websites

http://eng.cdg.go.kr/main/main.htm
Tripadvisor
KTO