The 40 Joseon Royal Tombs are a 2009 UNESCO World Heritage Site, but they're scattered across Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon, so a bad route can eat a whole day. Here are fail-safe courses for beginners.
Recommended courses
- Donggureung (Guri): Geonwolleung plus 9 tombs, first visit and history intro, half a day
- Seonjeongneung (Gangnam): Seolleung and Jeongneung, downtown stroll, 1 to 2 hours
- Yungkeolleung + Suwon Hwaseong: Crown Prince Sado and King Jeongjo, a story 2-day trip
- Yeoju Yeongneung: King Sejong and Hyojong, family and textbook trip, day trip
- Hongneung and Yureung (Namyangju): Emperors Gojong and Sunjong, modern imperial tombs
Tips
For a first visit try Donggureung, for a short schedule Seonjeongneung, and for a story trip Yungkeolleung plus Suwon Hwaseong. Winter hours may be shorter, so check before you go.
Guide to 7 UNESCO Joseon Royal Tomb courses