Royal Joseon Tombs

Royal Joseon Tombs
© UNESCO/Seo Heun-kang/NRICHGwangneung
The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty were built at scenic locations to honor the dynastic ancestors. They were built between 1408 and 1966, and are spread out over 18 different locations.

Year Decision Comments
2009 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Kyle Magnuson (United States of America):
Some have said visiting one tomb is enough as they are all similar. Yes and no, each tomb follows a general pattern, yet most of the tombs have subtle variations. More importantly its hard to get the scope of the Royal Joseon Tombs with one tomb visit, because part of the wonder of these tombs is the meer number of them and their care in location and artistry. I visited about 8-9 Joseon Dynasty Tomb clusters in 2008 before it was inscribed as a WHS. The sites are extremly peaceful. The most impressive in my opinion is Donggureung which contains 17 tombs and the first King of Joseon Taejo. Gwangneung, Donguneung, and Gangneung are also worthwhile sites to visit. In the small city of Yeoju you can visit the tomb of King Sejong, probably the most celebrated Joseon king, who developed the Korean Writing system. One great thing about the Tombs is their location. Most of them are relatively easy trips from Seoul and provide a relaxing atmosphere and time for reflection. I had a great time taking buses all over Seoul searching out the next tomb, now the tombs are even easier to visit with its WHS inscription. Definetly a world class site.
Date posted: February 2010
Boj (Philippines):
During my 5-day trip to Korea, I was able to visit 3 of the Joseon tombs.

The first was Jeongneung (in Seoul, close to Sungshin Women's University subway station). I was a little upset because the park does not allow access to the tomb itself; I wanted to see the stone statues closer but there was a fence surrounding the elevated mound. Though I have to agree that this park is set in a quiet forested area away from the city noise.

The second one I visited was Seolleung (also in Seoul) and fortunately, the park management allows visitors to get closer to the tomb. The walk in the forest is a very pleasant experience.

The last was Yungneung/Geolleung in Hwaseong City, Gyonggi-do province. My Korean friend and I decided to see this place as we had extra time after visiting Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.

All in all, the trip to these royal tombs is a wonderful experience. There are 40 inscribed on the list; 4 are found in Seoul. But I guess visiting one or two will suffice as they all look (almost) the same.

Compared to the Qing and Ming dynasty tombs in China, the Joseon tombs are smaller; but true enough, they have a special charm.
Date posted: January 2010
Leana Divine (USA):
I visited Sareung, the tomb of Queen Jeongsun, the queen of King Danjong, 6th monarch of Joseon. She became queen in January 1454. It's located in Namyangju, which is in Gyeonggi-province just east of Seoul. From Guri or Donong station (on the Jungang Line) you take the bus that says Sareung(or a taxi if you prefer) for a short distance to the tomb area.

There is a botanical garden/nursery at the entrance, where they are growing wildflowers, pine trees, and even some fruit. The people that take care of the nursery give you tea and allow you to take some wildflowers with you if you choose (for tea). They gave us tea to drink, as we walked through the pine forest to the tomb. They had an outdoor photography exhibit set up in the forested area featuring various photographs of wildflowers. After a short walk under the fragrant pines, you come to a clearing where the tomb sits about two-thirds up the mountain. It's a beautiful area and the tomb is guarded by various animals (stone sculptures).
Date posted: November 2009
Rob Wilson (UK / South Korea):
I am delighted to be the first person to review this lovely site. This is a fully deserved new addition to Korea's list.
I visited the Dongguerung site last weekend. It is a peaceful and charming place that seems to be relatively free of the tour bus hordes at the moment. The tombs can easily be reached with a subway to Cheongnyangni (line 1), then exit 5 and bus 202 (that heads away from Seoul, not the one towards!). It's about 30 minutes.
The tombs are set in a beautiful woodland park, and all seem to be aligned to different points of the compass. All the tombs are set atop large mounds. You are able to walk to the top of three of them without supervision. We were able to get up a 4th by tagging onto a guided group for a few minutes. The tombs are not grand, but are simply, elegant and charming.
A really nice 'bonus' about these sites is that the Korean Government, as a celebration of their WHS listing, has made them free to enter for period. Regualarly, the entry fee is still small ($1 or $2). Isn't that a lovely contrast with India or Egypt who would have quintipled prices for foreign tourists at the very mention of a WHS?
Date posted: July 2009


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