King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, chose this site for his own burial because of its auspicious feng shui topography.
The complex houses the graves of nine kings and seventeen queens or royal consorts across its seventeen tumuli.
The grounds are significantly larger than any other Joseon royal tomb cluster, reflecting the status of the kings buried there.
The name 'Nine Eastern Tombs' is actually a misnomer, as the site contains more than nine total tomb structures.
The forest within the tomb complex has been strictly protected for over 600 years, resulting in a rare, mature ecosystem near the Seoul metropolitan area.
Each tomb layout follows strict Joseon-era geomantic principles, with the mound backed by hills and facing water or an open expanse.
Donggureung is the largest royal tomb complex of the Joseon Dynasty, housing nine royal tombs and seventeen individual tumuli within a sprawling 1.95-square-kilometer forested site. Established in 1408 following the death of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, the site serves as a sprawling open-air repository of royal funeral architecture and Confucian burial traditions. The name Donggureung literally translates to 'Nine Eastern Tombs' based on its location east of the former capital, Hanyang. The grounds feature a dense network of walking trails winding through pine, oak, and chestnut forests, connecting the various mounds. Each royal tomb consists of a sacrificial house (jeongjagak), a stone-paved path (chamdo), and stone statues of officials and animals guarding the burial mound. The complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.
The stone sacrificial house (jeongjagak) at Geonwonneung, which offers a clear sightline to the iconic grass-covered burial mound.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, as the paths between the nine tombs cover several kilometers of uneven, hilly terrain.
Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no food vendors inside the forested tomb grounds.
Follow the designated walking paths strictly to protect the integrity of the royal mounds and the forest floor.
Attempting to see every single tomb if you have limited time; prioritize the central Geonwonneung tomb of King Taejo.
Closed every Monday for maintenance.
Do not step onto the grassy burial mounds; maintain a quiet, respectful volume; no smoking or pets allowed.
