Heonilleung

Welcome to the Heonilleung Royal Tombs, a remarkably serene and deeply historical sanctuary nestled at the southern foot of Mount Daemosan in Seocho-gu, Seoul. As you stand near the entrance of this magnificent site, it is…

Having passed through the main ticket gate, paying the modest entrance fee of one thousand won, you immediately step into an environment that feels wonderfully disconnected from the urban sprawl of southern Seoul. Before we reach…

Emerging from the tranquil embrace of the alder tree wetland, the path opens up, and you arrive at the formal entrance to Illeung, the resting place of the twenty-third monarch, King Sunjo, and his consort, Queen Sunwon. The…

You have now reached the end of the stone path, arriving at the heart of the ceremonial area: the Jeongjagak. This distinctive building is named for its architectural footprint, which resembles the Chinese character 'Jeong',…

Looking up the steep, manicured slope behind the ceremonial shrine, your eyes rest upon the final resting place of the monarch. This elevated, highly protected area is the Neungchim, the actual burial zone. …

As we depart from the melancholic precinct of Illeung, we embark on a profound transition. To reach our next destination, the tomb of King Taejong, we must walk along a beautiful, winding forest trail that connects the two sites. …

Emerging from the quiet introspection of the forest trail, you arrive at the entrance to Heolleung, the magnificent resting place of the third monarch of Joseon, King Taejong, and his fiercely intelligent consort, Queen…

Standing before the Jeongjagak, the T-shaped ceremonial shrine of Heolleung, the atmosphere feels distinctly heavier, laden with the complex, often bloody history of its occupants. While the architecture mirrors the ritual…

Leaving the shrine behind, you utilize a rare feature of this specific tomb: a walking path that leads you high up the ridge, allowing you an unusually close and intimate view of the burial area. As you crest the hill, an…

As our journey through the Heonilleung Royal Tombs comes to a close, take a slow walk back down the wooded paths, allowing the dense, vibrant green of the alder trees and the ancient pines to slowly recede, preparing you to…