Forest trail along 9 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty to open till next month

▲ This photo, provided by The Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, shows the forest trail in Paju Samneung (royal mausoleum for King Seongjong). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ This photo, provided by The Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, shows the forest trail in Namyangju Sareung (tomb of Queen Jeongsun, a consort to King Danjong). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 17 (Yonhap) -- Forest trails at the 9 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, where wild flowers have bloomed are opening to the public.

The Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center announced on the 17th that they will be opening the forest trails along the 9 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, including Donggureung in Guri from 17th May till the 30th of June.

In Seoul, one will be able to walk the 1.8km road that connects Taereung and Gangneung (the tomb of King Myeongjong, the 13th ruler of Joseon Dynasty, and his consort Queen Insun) and the 970m forest path from Uireung (tomb of King Gyeongjong) in Cheoncheonsan Mountain to the the Historic Scenic Forest Restoration Site.

In the eastern part of Gyeonggi province, along with the forest trails of Donggureung, Guri city, forest trails along Gwangneung (royal tomb of King Sejo), located in Namyangju, Sareung (tomb of Queen Jeongsun, a consort to King Danjong) and Royal Mausoleum of King Sejong will also be open. In Donggureung, one will also be able to see the newly decorated nature study center with wild flowers and waterside plants.

In the western Gyeonggi province, Paju Samneung (royal mausoleum for King Seongjong), Jangneung (tomb of Danjong), Yeongneung (royal tomb of King Jinjong), Hwaseong Yongneung and Geonneung forest trails are open.

The total length of the open forest trail of the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty is 21.04 km.

The Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center is maintaining the route and convenience facilities for visiting tomb of Yeonsangun, Seolleung (graves of King Seongjong and his wife, Queen Jeonghyeon) and Jeongneung (royal tomb of Queen Sindeok) and Seoorung (name of five tombs of Joseon Kings' era such as Gyeongneung, Changneung, Ingneung, Myeongneung, and Hongneung).

"The forest trail of the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, also called 'God's Garden' is a place where one will be able to experience relaxation and healing," said an official from the Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center. "More forest trails will be open in the future."

(This article is translated from Korean to English by Haemin Kim.)

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