Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs

Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs are UNESCO World Heritage-listed Joseon Dynasty royal tombs in Seoul, consisting of the burial mounds of King Seongjong, Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong, offering a glimpse into Korea’s royal heritage and serene natural landscapes.

Tombs, World Heritage
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Seonjeongneung (선정릉) is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. The name is a combination referring to two separate royal tomb complexes: Seolleung (선릉) and Jeongneung (정릉). Often, it is also referred to as Samneung Park (삼릉공원) because it contains the tombs of three Joseon Dynasty figures.

Seolleung (선릉)

Seolleung houses the burial mounds of King Seongjong (성종, 成宗, 1457-1494, r. 1469-1494), the 9th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and his third consort, Queen Jeonghyeon (정현왕후, 貞顯王后, 1462-1530). King Seongjong is admired for establishing the administrative and legal systems of the dynasty. Their tombs are located on two adjacent hills within the same sacred area, forming a double-mound tomb. King Seongjong’s tomb was built in 1495, and Queen Jeonghyeon’s tomb was added to the east side in 1530.

Jeongneung (정릉)

Jeongneung is the burial mound of King Jungjong (중종, 中宗, 1488-1544, r. 1506-1544), the 11th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. King Jungjong was a son of King Seongjong and Queen Jeonghyeon. His reign is notable for attempts at political reform. Jeongneung is a single-mound tomb. King Jungjong’s tomb was originally located in Goyang but was moved to its current location in 1562.

Key Features of Seonjeongneung:

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its historical and cultural significance as part of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

Peaceful Urban Oasis: Despite being located in the bustling Gangnam area, the tomb complex offers a tranquil and pleasant environment for strolling and relaxation.

Harmonious Landscape: The tombs are beautifully integrated with the surrounding natural forest, showcasing traditional Korean landscape design.

Historical Insight: Visiting Seonjeongneung provides an opportunity to learn about the Joseon Dynasty’s royal burial customs and the lives of the kings and queen buried here.

Walking Trails: Well-maintained paths allow visitors to explore the grounds and appreciate the serene atmosphere.

Seonjeongneung offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the serene beauty of Joseon Dynasty royal tombs within the modern cityscape of Seoul.

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4.6

Based on 678 reviews

Maria N.

10:07 14 Mar 25

It's a nice park walk. What surprised me was how simple the tomb was which was essentially a mound. It's lit up after sunset

Tonia C.

11:08 05 Nov 24

Found this by just scanning over a map - I had never heard about it, in any of my research. And it was a lovely spot. We were there in the very late afternoon and it was so peaceful and tranquil. There did not seem to be a lot of tourists from what we could gather, it seemed more like a lot of people came to walk and enjoy the space. The demographic definitely skewed older, though here and there, there might be a younger person reading a book under a tree on a bench.There is a nominal fee and you get a map, and there are restrooms on-site. The 3 burial areas are pretty much identical, but it was interesting to see. If you have time to spare and are passing by, it's a great spot to check out.

Lynn T.

08:36 08 Sep 24

Really enjoyed visiting this UNESCO world heritage site. It's not just an incredible historical site, but a fantastic walking/running forest trail through a beautiful park in the middle of Seoul, all for the unbeatable price of W1000 (per adult). Credit cards accepted. Went very early on a summery Sunday morning and it was a very peaceful, gentle walk - enjoying nature, the sounds of birds, and the history of the site. There were very few visitors and among them, mostly people on their morning walk/run. Lots of benches in the shade to sit, reflect and enjoy the surroundings.You are permitted to walk quite near to the shrines and burial mounds to take a closer look - only the immediate area around the monuments are fenced off. There are trails for wheelchairs/strollers (with assistance) and parking is available right next to the site. Fascinating attraction that combines history and nature.

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