[One Day Walk] A Glimpse of Jongmyo History... Line 1 Jongno 3-ga Station

Editor's NoteThe subway is a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely, and it is also an important part of daily walking. We introduce pleasant walking spots around subway stations.

The course introduced this time is Jongno 3-ga Station on Subway Line 1. Starting from Exit 11, the route goes through Jongno Jewelry Street → Jongmyo Plaza Park, and ends at Donui-dong Kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup) and Meat Restaurant Alley. Jongno is named after the Bosingak Bell, which was the daily time standard for the people of Hanyang during the Joseon Dynasty. Since ancient times, it has been the center of the city’s markets and goods, and the heart of Joseon with Jongmyo Shrine and palaces. The alleys and shops full of old charm coexist with newly renovated commercial buildings, making it a place loved by all generations.

Jongmyo Pond

Exit Jongno 3-ga Station Line 1 through Exit 11, walk along Jongno Jewelry Street, pass the Jongmyo stone wall path, and arrive at Jongmyo Plaza Park. In the past, the plaza park had a negative image as a place where many homeless people stayed, but after redevelopment, it reopened in March 2016. Now, it has been transformed into a pleasant space befitting the historical value of Jongmyo and is widely used as a resting place for citizens. Inside the park, you can find relics such as the Jongmyo Eojeong (royal pavilion), Hamabi (boundary stone), as well as the Jeong Do-jeon Monument and a statue of Mr. Lee Sang-jae from Wolnam.

After exploring the plaza park, it is also good to visit Jongmyo Shrine. Jongmyo is the royal ancestral shrine where the spirit tablets of Joseon Dynasty kings and queens are enshrined, designated as Historic Site No. 125. The most important architectural structure of Jongmyo is Jeongjeon (Main Hall). Its long and wide building harmonizes with the front courtyard, creating a grand and aesthetically impressive appearance.

Leaving Jongmyo, head to the final course, Donui-dong Kalguksu and Meat Restaurant Alley. There are hardly any large franchises here, so many unique and traditional restaurants remain. At night, the meat restaurants are bustling, while during the day, it’s all about kalguksu. The kalguksu restaurants, some over 50 years old, always have long lines. Ending your journey with a bowl of noodles here is a great way to conclude the Jongmyo course.

Main Stops: Jongno 3-ga Station - Jongno Jewelry Street - Jongmyo Plaza Park - Donui-dong Kalguksu & Meat Restaurant Alley

Course Distance: 2.2 km, about 1 hour