1. Seonjeongneung
Seonjeongneung is a royal tomb located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is the resting place of King Seongjong, the 9th king of the Joseon Dynasty, and his second queen, Queen Jeonghyeon. The tombs of King Seongjong and Queen Jeonghyeon are called Seolleung, and the tomb of King Jungjong, the 11th king of the Joseon Dynasty, is called Jeongneung. Together, they are known as Seonjeongneung.
Location: 1, Seolleung-ro 100-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Classification: Royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty
Designation: Historic Site No. 199, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Situated in Gangnam, an area where green spaces are rare except for street trees, Seonjeongneung offers a large green space and park amid the forest of buildings. It serves as a great place for walking, offers a beautiful view, and provides a healing space for citizens.
2. Seolleung
Seolleung is where King Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, and his second queen, Queen Jeonghyeon, are buried. Unlike other royal tombs, Seolleung does not have surrounding stone screens. However, other stone objects follow the royal protocols of the Joseon Dynasty.
The tomb features 12-faced stone screens and statues of the Twelve Zodiac Animals. Other stone objects such as the Yangseok, Hoseok, and Mangjuseok are also present.
3. Jeongneung
Jeongneung is the tomb of King Jungjong, the 11th king of the Joseon Dynasty. Unlike Seolleung, Jeongneung is a single tomb. Aside from the tomb of Danjong, Jeongneung is one of the few single tombs among the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, along with King Taejo’s Geonwolleung.
Originally, the tomb of Jungjong’s second queen, Huireung, was nearby, and his third queen wished to be buried with him in Jeongneung. However, due to unfavorable feng shui and frequent flooding, her tomb was moved to Taereung in Nowon-gu.
According to legend, after Queen Munjeong died, she was supposed to be buried in Jeongneung. However, heavy rain caused the Han River to flood, submerging Jeongneung, leading to her burial site being changed to Taereung.
4. Admission Fees
Individual and Group Rates
Adults (25-64 years old): 1,000 KRW (individual), 800 KRW (group, 10 or more)
| Category | Period | Usage Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Pass | 1 month | March-October: 06:00-21:00, November-January: 06:30-17:30, February: 06:00-18:00 | 10,000 KRW |
| Timed Pass | 1 year | February-October: 06:00-09:00, November-January: 06:30-09:00, Lunchtime: 11:30-13:30 | 30,000 KRW |
| Lunchtime Pass (10 times) | 3 months | 11:30-13:30 | 3,000 KRW |
5. Free Admission
- Children and youths under 24 years old, seniors over 65 years old
- Disabled persons, national merit awardees, May 18 Democratization Movement participants, veterans, wounded veterans
- Families of military service members, exemplary filial persons, basic livelihood recipients and low-income families
- Visitors wearing traditional Korean attire (hanbok)
- Multi-child cardholders (youngest child 18 years or younger)
- Teachers (for educational purposes), tour guide certificate holders (escorting groups)
- Important Intangible Cultural Heritage holders and trainees
- Active duty soldiers in uniform
- Pregnant women
6. Discount
Residents of Gangnam-gu receive a 50% discount on general admission (ID required)
7. Seonjeongneung Opening Hours
Seonjeongneung is closed to the public every Monday for regular maintenance and preservation work.
| Period | Ticket Sales Hours | Visiting Hours |
|---|---|---|
| March-October | 06:00-20:00 | 06:00-21:00 |
| November-January | 06:30-16:30 | 06:30-17:30 |
| February | 06:00-17:00 | 06:00-18:00 |
8. Reviews
Seonjeongneung is a great place for a stroll in the city, offering both historical significance as a Joseon Dynasty royal tomb and the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the visit was unplanned, it was a delightful experience.
Near the restrooms, there are free lockers to store bags and belongings, making it easy to enjoy a light walk. After the visit, you can use an air gun to remove dust. The area is also well-served by various restaurants and cafes, and the proximity to the subway makes it convenient to access.
9. Link