Hyeonin Royal Tomb

Hyeonin Royal Tomb

Hyeonin Royal Tomb is located at the foot of Daemo Mountain in Naegok-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, and refers collectively to two royal tombs: Hyeonneung and Inneung. Hyeonneung is the tomb of King Taejong (1367–1422), the third king of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Wongyeong (1365–1420), while Inneung is the tomb of King Jeongjo (1790–1834) and Queen Jeongsun (1789–1857). Both tombs are important components of the Joseon Royal Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon entering Hyeonin Royal Tomb, the first thing you see is a red gate known as the Hongjakmun (Red Arrow Gate). Next to the gate is a diagram illustrating the structure of the royal tomb, where you can learn in detail about its layout. Beyond the Hongjakmun lies a stone path that leads to the Jeongjagak Pavilion, located in front of the tomb and used for ancestral rites. Past the Jeongjagak, Inneung can be faintly seen on the hillside. Although Inneung is the joint tomb of King Jeongjo and Queen Jeongsun, it features only one Soul Stone (a square stone placed beside the tomb, called “Soul Stone,” which symbolizes the soul ascending to overlook the land). It is said this reflects that even in death, King Jeongjo’s spirit could not find peace, as his life was fraught with unfulfilled ambitions.

Hyeonneung, located next to Inneung, is larger in scale and has approximately twice as many stone sculptures as other royal tombs. The surrounding screen stones, carved twelve zodiac animal statues, the five supporting stones of the Soul Stone, and the paper-burning altar used during rituals are all features characteristic of royal tombs from the early Joseon period, making it a valuable site for understanding the tomb architecture of that era.

Heonilleung

Must-visit reason: One of the largest and most impressive royal tomb sites among the Joseon Royal Tombs

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: South Korea[Korea]

Province/State: Seoul Special City [Seoul Special City]

City: Seocho-gu [Seocho-gu]