The 'dong-won-i-gang' layout at Uireung is designed to comply with geomantic principles, placing the royal remains in positions that harmonize with the surrounding mountain ridges.
During the mid-20th century, the site was off-limits to the public as it served as the headquarters for the South Korean intelligence apparatus.
The T-shaped wooden shrine at Uireung is built with a specific elevation change between the platforms to denote the hierarchy of the worship ritual.
The stone figures surrounding the tumuli, including military and civil officials, are oriented to guard the royal spirits according to traditional Confucian burial standards.
The tomb’s name, Uireung, translates to 'Righteous Tomb,' reflecting the posthumous name of the monarch it houses.
King Gyeongjong's reign lasted only four years, and his tomb is noted for being one of the smaller, more understated royal tombs of the Joseon period.
Uireung is one of the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, serving as the final resting place for King Gyeongjong and his second wife, Queen Seonui. The site is unique for its 'dong-won-i-gang' arrangement, where the mounds are placed side-by-side on adjacent hills rather than being stacked vertically or placed in front of one another. The tomb is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list under the collective 'Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty' designation. It is located within the grounds of what was formerly the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, which occupied the land for decades before the site was restored for public access. The site features a traditional T-shaped shrine, or Jeongjagak, used for ancestral rites. Surrounded by dense forest, the area provides a rare glimpse into 18th-century burial architecture and landscape design. The tomb mounds are positioned at different heights to reflect the specific topographical features of the site.
The path leading up to the Jeongjagak shrine provides the best perspective for framing the shrine with the burial mounds in the background.
Walk the perimeter trail that skirts the dense forest to get a full view of the burial mounds from a distance.
Respect the signage indicating restricted areas, as the grass mounds themselves are sacred and off-limits to foot traffic.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain around the hills is unpaved and can be uneven.
Do not attempt to climb the grassy burial mounds, as this is strictly prohibited to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Closed on Mondays.
Refrain from loud talking, do not step on the burial mounds, and consume food only in designated picnic zones.
