Seonjeongneung

Seonjeongneung is a historic burial complex located in the heart of modern Seoul, housing the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. The site includes Seonneung, the tomb of King Seongjong, the ninth monarch, and his third wife, Queen Jeonghyeon. King Seongjong is celebrated for his contributions to the 'Gyeongguk Daejeon,' the great code of laws that formed the foundation of Joseon governance. The tombs were established in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, following strict Confucian principles of ancestor worship and geomancy. The second major part of the complex is Jeongneung, which belongs to King Jungjong, the eleventh monarch of Joseon. Interestingly, King Jungjong was originally buried elsewhere, but his second wife, Queen Munjeong, had his tomb moved here in hopes of being buried alongside him. However, her plan failed due to frequent flooding at the site; she was eventually buried in a different location, leaving King Jungjong to rest alone in this particular mound. This sequence of events highlights the complex political and personal maneuvers within the royal court. Over the centuries, the site has served as a sanctuary of tradition. Despite the Japanese invasions in the late 16th century, during which the tombs were unfortunately desecrated, the Joseon government went to great lengths to restore the site and its spiritual significance. Today, Seonjeongneung is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It stands as a remarkable green oasis, where the ancient stone statues of civil and military officials continue to guard the royal spirits amidst the towering glass skyscrapers of the Gangnam district.