Graves for the Royals Suffered by Mischievous Destiny

Seosamneung literally means the “Three Tombs of the West”.

This royal cemetery not only contains three royal tombs, but also includes graves for minor royals and placenta chambers. When royal members were born, the afterbirths were collected and enshrined in these monumental stone chambers.

The tradition of the Joseon Dynasty did not allow the graves of royal concubines, princes or princesses in any royal tomb. However, these graves for minor royals and childbirth monuments were gathered here in the middle of confusion during the Japanese colonial rule and the rapid industrialization in the 20th century. It is rather sad to witness such violation of royal traditions and rules in this cemetery.

Among the three royal tombs in this cemetery, only two, Huireung and Yereung, are open to the public.