Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty – Oasis in the City and Motif for “Collectors”

Seonjeongneung Royal Tomb is a combined name for Seolleung Royal Tomb of King Seongjong (the ninth king of the Joseon Dynasty) and Queen Jeonghyeon, and Jeongneung Royal Tomb of their son, Jungjong. While Jeongneung Royal Tomb is a single tomb, Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs share the T-shaped repository for ceremonial ware but sit on two different hills, which altogether make up the Dongwonigangneung. This means that King Seongjong and Queen Jeonghyeon had two separate tombs. To the left (western) hill of the T-shaped repository for ceremonial ware is the tomb of King Seongjong and to the right (eastern) hill is the tomb of Queen Jeonghyeon. Located near the subway station, the royal tombs are admired as a walking trail and rest area for the public. Visitors can walk along the forest trail lined with pine trees and broad-leaved trees that change each season to naturally arrive at Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs as part of the trail course. If time allows, we recommend a walk along the Stone Wall Path of Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs to Bongeunsa Temple.

Heolleung and Illeung Royal Tombs is a name that combines Heolleung Royal Tomb of King Taejong (the third king of the Joseon Dynasty) and Queen Wongyeong with Illeung Royal Tomb of King Sunjo (the twenty-third king of Joseon) and Queen Sunwon. As a king who established the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejong was a figure who played a crucial role in the founding of Joseon and was featured as the hero of many dramas and movies, played by Yoo Ah-in in “Six Flying Dragons” and Jang Hyuk in the 2019 drama, “My Country: The New Age.” Walk along the thick forest path that was designated an ecological landscape conservation area by the city of Seoul and walk up the skirts of Daemosan Mountain to first encounter Illeung Royal Tomb and then Heolleung Royal Tomb. The sculptures of a civilian and military officer that stand and protect Illeung Royal Tomb are recognized as delicate and beautiful sculptures. Near the tombs are a marsh surrounded by a forest of beautiful Japanese alders, which present a scenery that is different from those of other royal tombs.

The Tomb of King Yeonsangun, Seoul is the tomb of King Yeonsangun and his wife, Lady Sin. King Yeonsangun is known as the tyrant of Korea. Although he was the tenth king of the Joseon Dynasty, he was removed from his throne as a result of his tyranny and insanity. The ancestral tablet of a king who was not reinstated to the throne after his dethronement had no royal ancestral shrine and hence, Yeonsangun is called “Yeonsangun” with no royal posthumous titles like “jong” or “jo.” His tomb has no indication of being a “royal tomb” and is simply a “tomb.” Due to his dramatic life and character, he frequently appeared in dramas and movies like “The Rebel,” “Queen for Seven Days,” and “The King and the Clown.” The path to the graveyard is a walking trail as well as a historical and cultural trail. The Tomb of King Yeonsangun, Seoul connects to the 20 courses of Bukhansan Dulle-gil, and right under the Tomb of King Yeonsangun, Seoul is Seoul’s oldest ginkgo tree, the “Banghak-dong Ginkgo Tree.” The Kim Suyoung Museum, Dooly Museum, and Kansong Jeon Hyunpil’s House are all located near the tomb and are all places worth visiting.

In “Architecture 101,” another film featuring Lee Je-hoon, the main character of the movie “Collectors,” the main character Seo-yeon (Suzy) and Seung-min (Lee Je-hoon) visit Jeongneung Royal Tomb for an assignment. Jeongneung Royal Tomb is the tomb of Queen Sindeok, the first queen of the Joseon Dynasty and the second wife of King Taejo of Joseon. Queen Sindeok is known as the heroine of the tale that tells of King Taejo asking for water and Queen Sindeok putting a willow leaf in the gourd while saying, “Be careful not to drink quickly as you might get ingestion.” It is said that Kin Taejo often sought out her grave out of deep affection for her even after her death. The tomb site presents a full view of Bukhansan Mountain, and the site is a holy ground for those who enjoy walks. The full course to the rest area takes about one hour. The site is perfect for enjoying a slow walk through the woods with sunlight that seems through the thick forest of trees.