An Encounter with the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Welcome to the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

A collection of these royal tombs is regarded as an embodiment of 500-year history of Joseon, the last dynasty of Korea. So, you will be able to learn about the tradition and basic principles of the dynasty from these tombs.

Joseon was founded in 1392 and ruled by a succession of 27 monarchs from King Taejo to King Sunjong. The dynasty left a total of 42 royal tombs scattered over 18 locations in the Korean Peninsula. Among them, 40 royal tombs located in South Korea are registered on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 2009.

The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty tend to be more highly regarded historically and culturally than the similar structures in other countries. Royal tombs of all ruling kings and their queens are included and the tombs have maintained their original conditions of architecture and landscape. Also, the annual ancestral rites are well preserved to honor the memory of deceased kings and to show respect for their achievements. Both the tombs and the ancestral rites are often cited as tangible evidence of the tradition, history and aesthetic creativity of the Joseon Dynasty.

What makes these cultural legacies even more valuable is the philosophy embedded within them. Joseon kings wished their graves to represent the austere and dignified life of their ancestors and to be simple rather than grand, so that their construction would reduce the burden upon their people. They were extremely careful in paying respect to their ancestors through traditional rituals and the meticulous management, and sought to build sanctuaries in harmony with nature, thereby inflicting little damage on the surrounding environment.

That explains why the tombs still maintain great harmony with the surrounding natural environment even though they are now located in urban areas. Today, a variety of structures in the graveyards are comfortably embraced by the natural environment, and many of these royal tombs are regarded as historic parks.

Now, let’s start an exciting tour of these valuable heritage sites and enjoy a leisurely walk through the attractive greenery. You will also have an opportunity to learn some interesting aspects of the Joseon Dynasty.