King Sejo explicitly ordered in his will that no stone chamber be built for his tomb to reduce economic burden on the populace.
Queen Jeonghui, buried alongside King Sejo, was the first queen in Joseon history to serve as regent during her grandson King Seongjong's minority rule.
The layout of Gwangneung departs from older Joseon protocols by placing the two burial mounds side-by-side on separate hills sharing a single lower ritual area.
The surrounding forest has been strictly protected since the 15th century, allowing old-growth deciduous trees to survive undisturbed for over 500 years.
The stone tiger and sheep sculptures guarding the tomb are carved in a distinct, more naturalistic style compared to earlier Joseon royal tombs.
Gwangneung Royal Tombs in Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, is a UNESCO World Heritage site housing the joint tombs of the 7th Joseon monarch, King Sejo, and his wife, Queen Jeonghui. Built in 1468, Gwangneung marks a major architectural turning point in Joseon royal tomb construction because King Sejo requested a simpler tomb without a stone chamber to conserve state resources and prevent grave robbing. The site features unique stone artifacts including a hexagonal long-stone table and a low stone railing surrounding the burial mounds. It is nestled against the southern slopes of Mount Cheonmasan, following traditional pungsu-geori geomantic principles. Adjacent to the tombs is the expansive Gwangneung National Arboretum, which was originally designated as a royal forest to protect the tomb surroundings.
The view from the lower ritual house (Jeongjagak) looking up toward the dual burial mounds.
Combine your visit with the adjacent Gwangneung National Arboretum, but note that the arboretum requires advance reservations.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the paths leading up to the burial mounds involve gravel trails and gentle inclines.
Respect all designated rope boundaries around the sacred ritual areas and burial mounds.
Assuming you can enter the Gwangneung National Arboretum without booking a reservation online ahead of time.
Closed on Mondays.
Refrain from smoking, consuming food, or stepping over barriers near the royal mounds.
