Seoul Searching | Royal Tombs of Joseon Dynasty (Seolleung and Jeongneung).

Like most travelers, one of my travel goals is to visit as many UNESCO World Heritage sites as possible. I've been to two locations here in the Philippines - the Baroque Churches and Vigan City, and two in South Korea - Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine.

On our last Seoul Searching trip, I was able to tick another one off my list after having visited the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
- another UNESCO World Heritage Site off the bucket list!

A collection of 40 tombs scattered over 18 locations across South Korea, the Royal Tombs are magnificent and perfectly preserved graves entombed with kings and queens, as well as monarchs that were posthumously granted the title of king or queen, of the Joseon Dynasty. These tombs were built over five centuries ago - from 1408 to 1966 - and were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

More of the Royal Tombs after the jump!


Seoul is home to twelve of these Royal Tombs, and Yue and I had the chance to visit the Seonjeongneung tombs located in Gangnam. Seonjeongneung is the name of Seolleung and Jeongneung combined, and it refers to the royal tombs of King Seongjong (the 9th king of the Joseon Dynasty), Queen Jeonghyeon (the second wife of King Seongjong) and King Jungjong (a son of the two).

Admission rates: 1000 won for adults, 500 won for kids.

Seolleung, the tomb of King Seongjong (reigned 1469-1494) was built in 1495; subsequently, the tomb of Queen Jeonghyeon (1462-1530) was built on the east side of Seolleung in 1530.

Seolleung, the tomb of King Seongjong.

The tomb, as seen from another angle.

Stone carvings in the shapes of officials, warriors, and animals lined up before the tomb.

The tomb of Queen Jeonghyeon.

A closer look at the queen's tomb.

Jeongneung, on the other hand, was built in 1544. King Jungjong (reigned 1506-1544) was originally buried in the royal tomb in Wondang, Goyang-gun, Gyeonggi-do, next to this second wife, but his remains were moved to this current location in 1562 upon the order of his third wife, Queen Munjeong (1501 - 1565).

Jeongneung, the tomb of King Jungjong.

The Royal Tombs were built in places of stunning natural beauty, with the back side of the tombs protected by a hill as they face south toward water and, ideally, with mountain ridges visible in the distance. 

Walking in the woods on a summer afternoon.

Locals enjoying the scenery, too.

Seonjeongneung is no exception, and this place is quite popular for its serene and enchanting promenades. Locals who live or work nearby often visit this place to relax and enjoy the scenery, or go for a leisurely stroll.

As we explored the area, we noticed several other structures aside from the burial mounds. Apparently, these buildings are also associated with the Royal Tombs. Think of it as an 'entourage' leading to the burial mound itself. 

The red-spiked gate also known as the Hongsalmun.

A royal tomb is divided into three sections: the Entrance Area that represents the earthly world (Jaesil, pond, Geumcheongyo Bridge); the Jehyang Area where the living would hold memorial services for the dead (Hongsalmun Gate, Jeongjagak Shrine, Subokbang); and the Sacred Area dedicated to the dead (Bigak, the Neungchim area where a body is buried).

Geumcheongyo Bridge connects the earthly world with the sacred area. Across the bridge is the red-colored Hongsalmun Gate, the entrance to the sacred burial site, which leads to Chamdo.

The Chamdo, or Incense Road. The elevated path should not be walked on -
this walkway is believed to be the path were dead kings tread.

Chamdo consists of two paths. The Divine Path was believed to be used by dead kings, while the Royal Path, by living kings.

The Jeongjagak Shrine at King Jungjong's tomb.

The Jeongjagak Shrine at King Seongjong's tomb.

The Jeongjagak is a shrine where memorial services are held. To its left is the Suragan, or the Royal Kitchen, where food for the memorial services are prepared. And to its right is the Subokbang, which serves as the living quarter of the officer guarding the tomb.

The Suragan at King Seongjong's tomb.

Yue looking on. :)

The Subokbang, or the guard house.

Although the area beyond the Jeonjagak Shrine is restricted to the public, visitors can go near the Bigak and even take pictures of it. The Bigak is a small building which houses the stele, or the stone monument that has the names of the king and the queen written on it. At the back of the stele, you can find a written list of the king's accomplishments.

The Bigak at King Jungjong's tomb.

The stele of King Jungjong.

Another area that's open to the public is the Jaesil, or the 'house of purification'. This serves as a temporary residence for those who will partake in the ancestral rites. Participants, or those who will preside in the ritual, need to stay at the Jaesil to 'purify' their minds and bodies a few days before the date of the ancestral rite.

Taking a break at the Jaesil.

A Jaesil typically consists of an incense storage, a storage for ritual objects, a kitchen, and servants' quarters.

Another building inside the Jaesil.

Near the Jaesil is the Seonjeungneung History Center where you can learn more about the Royal Tombs and the kings and queen entombed here. You can also get small souvenir items here.

Postcards for souvenirs.

To get to Seonjeongneung, take the subway to Seonjeongneung Station, Line 9 Exit 3 or Seolleung Station, Line 2 Exit 8. I recommend taking the first route, because it will only take two or three minutes on foot to get to the Royal Tombs.

Royal Tombs of Joseon Dynasty (Seonjeongneung)

112-2 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 
+82-(0)2-566-6300