Joseon royal tomb forest trails open in October

Walk a UNESCO World Heritage site through autumn foliage

A forest trail at Donggureung in Guri [Cultural Heritage Administration]
A forest trail at Donggureung in Guri [Cultural Heritage Administration]

The Joseon royal tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are expanding their role as a cultural destination for the public, offering visitors a chance to experience both natural scenery and historical heritage this autumn.

The Palace and Tomb Management Office under the Cultural Heritage Administration said Wednesday it will open nine forest trails at the Joseon royal tombs from Thursday through Nov. 29, giving the public an opportunity to share in the value of the World Heritage site and find rest in their daily lives.

The office has opened the royal tomb forest trails each spring and autumn since 2019, and has continued maintenance projects to ensure visitors can walk the paths safely while appreciating the significance of the sites.

A forest trail at Gwangneung in Namyangju [Cultural Heritage Administration]
A forest trail at Gwangneung in Namyangju [Cultural Heritage Administration]

The nine trails span a combined length of 19.04 kilometers across royal tomb sites throughout the region. They are: the Hwireung-to-Wolleung and Gyeongneung-to-nursery trail at Donggureung in Guri; the Amur maple forest trail at Gwangneung in Namyangju; the pine trail behind the burial mound at Sareung in Namyangju; the Taereung-to-Gangneung trail at Taereung and Gangneung in Seoul; the Cheonjangsan forest trail at Uireung in Seoul; the forest trail north of the burial mound at Jangneung in Paju; the Yunneung-to-Geonneung trail at Yunneung and Geonneung in Hwaseong; the Yeongneung-to-Sunneung small pond trail and the forest trail north of the Gongneung burial mound at Samneung in Paju; and the outer forest trail at Yeongneung and Yeongneung in Yeoju.

The trails are open during the same hours as each royal tomb site, and all visitors may use them free of charge. In October, the trails are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in November from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The sites are closed on Mondays, and hours may be adjusted depending on weather conditions. Further details are available at each royal tomb management office or on the Cultural Heritage Administration website.

The Palace and Tomb Management Office said it hopes visitors this autumn will deepen their understanding of the historical significance of the Joseon royal tombs while walking the foliage-lined trails and finding rest.


terry@heraldcorp.com