▲ This image, provided by the royal palaces and tombs division of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), shows visitors enjoying the night walk along the royal palaces of Joseon dyasty. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Yonhap) -- An event that offers a diverse way to experience the royal tombs, rich with the history and culture of the Joseon Dynasty, will be held next month.

 

The National Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Promotion Agency announced on the 19th that the "National Heritage Joseon Royal Tomb Festival" will take place from October 12 to 20 at five royal tomb sites, including Hongneung and Yureung in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.

 

The event will feature various performances, experiences, and guided tours against the backdrop of the royal tombs.

 

On October 12 and 13, a nighttime performance titled "Garden of the Gods" will be held at Hongneung and Yureung, vividly depicting the royal funeral process through immersive visuals.

 

▲ This image, provided by the royal palaces and tombs division of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), shows a scene from "Garden of the gods" performance. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

A drone light show will also add a spectacular touch, offering a rare view of the royal tombs at night. This performance will also take place at Sejong the Great’s tomb on October 19 and 20.

 

For the first time, the Donggureung tomb site in Guri will host a guided tour program with a "Neungchambong" (Royal Tomb Keeper).

 

The tour will run twice daily on October 19 and 20, with a guide dressed as a tomb keeper explaining the history of the royal tombs as participants explore the site.

 

Other programs include "Tales of the Royal Forest," where visitors can learn about the history of Joseon and the stories behind the trees surrounding the tombs, as well as "Donggureung Night Walk," a nighttime tour of the Donggureung site.

 

The opening ceremony will take place at Hongneung and Yureung on October 11, the day before the main event.

 

Tickets for the paid events, such as "Garden of the Gods" and "Donggureung Night Walk," will be available for reservation through Ticket Link starting at 2 p.m. on September 20. Note that the tombs will be closed on October 14, and no events will be held that day.

 

The Joseon royal tombs, which house the remains of kings, queens, emperors, and empresses from the Joseon (1392–1897) and Korean Empire (1897–1910) periods, are considered exemplary relics of Joseon architecture and ritual practices.

 

Currently, 40 royal tombs in South Korea are registered as World Heritage sites.

 

Since 2020, the National Heritage Administration has held an event called the "Joseon Royal Tomb Culture Festival" to promote the tombs. However, with the introduction of the National Heritage System this year, the event name has been changed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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