Seosamneung

Welcome to Seosamneung, an extraordinary repository of royal history nestled in the quiet outskirts of Goyang. As we begin our journey today, take a moment to pause and listen to the gentle breeze rustling through the ancient,…

As we walk deeper into the tranquil forest, we approach the first major architectural threshold of Huireung. Before us stands the imposing Hongsalmun, a towering red gateway adorned with a row of vertical wooden spikes across its…

Standing now on the elevated stone platform, we are squarely in the heart of the Jehyang space, directly facing the Jeongjagak. This wooden building, shaped like the Chinese character 'Jeong' or the English letter 'T', serves as…

As we gaze upon the gentle grassy mound of Huireung, we must confront the sorrowful tale of Queen Janggyeong, the second consort of King Jungjong. Born in the late fifteenth century, her life was one of immense pressure and…

Following the forest path away from Huireung, we arrive at the expansive precinct of Yereung. Here lies King Cheoljong, the 25th monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, alongside his consort, Queen Cheorin. …

As we veer away from the grand kingly tombs, the landscape becomes noticeably more intimate, leading us to a quiet enclosure containing Hyochangwon and Uiryeongwon. You will immediately sense a shift in scale and grandeur. …

We now step into a space that is visually jarring and emotionally heavy: the Taesil, or placenta chambers. Before you lies a sprawling grid of stone monuments, arranged with cold, mechanical precision. …

Just a few steps away from the Taesil, we encounter a sight that is perhaps even more heartbreaking. Spread out before us is a densely packed cemetery containing the graves of numerous princes, princesses, and royal concubines. …

We now embark on a very special segment of our journey, walking along a path that, until very recently, was completely forbidden to the public. We are heading toward Hyoreung, the final royal tomb within Seosamneung, which holds…

As the forest clears, we finally arrive at the magnificent, twin-mounded resting place of Hyoreung. This is the tomb of King Injong, the 12th monarch of Joseon, and his devoted wife, Queen Inseong. …

As our journey through the winding paths and hidden histories of Seosamneung draws to a close, let us pause once more at the edge of the forest to reflect on the profound narratives we have encountered today. This vast,…