Seonjeongneung, Tomb of King Jungjong

This is the royal burial site of King Jungjong, who appears in Daejanggeum.

Seonjeongneung comprises of the Seonneung Royal Tomb and the Jeongneung Royal Tomb. Seonjeongneung houses the burial mounds of King Seonjong (1469-1494), his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong (1506-1544) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Upon entering the grounds, you can see a red gate with a taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol. The stone paths leading to the sacrificial building are noteworthy because there are two stone paths—the elevated path is for the dead King and the lower one is for living people. Small sculptures on the eaves called Japsang were carved in the shape of animals such as monkeys and were believed to exorcise evil spirits. Next to the sacrificial building, there is a pavilion and a tombstone which is obviously the tomb of the King. Sculptures of sheep and tigers surround the tomb and are guardians of the dead King. In front of the tomb is an outstanding sight called the 'Mangjuseok,' which is a pair of stones designed to guide the dead King to his tomb. The queen's tomb, Wanghuneung, is simple. It doesn't have any pavilions or sacrificial buildings, but is surrounded by only stone sculptures as guardians. 

Address: 135-4 Samseong 2(i)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

How to get there: Seolleung Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 2) Exit 8. Go straight at the Korea Exchange Bank street for 5 min.
Inquiries: +82-2-568-1291 (Kor)

Taeneung

This is the royal tomb of Queen Munjeong, King Jungjong's queen, in Daejanggeum. 

Queen Munjeong is a major female figure in Korean history. Taeneung Royal Tomb houses the burial mound of Queen Munjeong.

Taeneung Royal Tomb is a pleasant place to take a stroll and get a sense of the Joseon Dynasty.  Upon entering the grounds after passing the forest, you can see a red gate (the red color denoting holiness) with a taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol.  The stone paths leading to the sacrificial building are noteworthy because there are two stone paths—the elevated path is for the dead queen and the lower one is for living people.  The memorial rites were performed in the sacrificial building and small sculptures of animals on the roof called japsang were believed to exorcise evil spirits.  Other sculptures of sheep, tigers, horses and military officers surround the tomb and act as guardians of the dead queen. The best time to visit is in the spring and autumn rather than in the hot summer.

Address: San 223-19, Gongneung-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul 

How to get there:

1. From exit 1 or 3 of Seokgye station (Seoul Subway Line 1), take bus No. 1155 or 1156 and get off at Taeneung Gangneung  (10 min interval / 15 min ride).
2. From exit 1 of Hwarnagdae station (Seoul Subway Line 6), take bus No. 108 or 1224 and get aff at Taeneung Gangneung (5 min interval / 5 min ride).
3. From exit 7 of Taeneung station (Seoul Subway Line 6 and 7), take bus No. 1155 or 1156 and get off at Taeneung Gangneung (10 min interval / 10 min ride).

Inquiries: Administration Office +82-2-972-0370 (Kor)

(source: tour2korea.com)

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