Jangneung, Royal tomb in Paju, South Korea
Jangneung is a royal tomb in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, that holds the burial sites of King Injo and Queen Inyeol. The complex spreads across a large area and is surrounded by carefully crafted stone and earth works that match the royal status.
King Injo began his rule in 1623 and faced difficult times with invasions that challenged his realm. His burial at this location marks the final resting place of a ruler whose reign was shaped by external conflicts.
The stone screen around the burial mounds shows lotus and peony patterns that reflect how artists in the 17th century loved to work with shapes and designs. These carvings show the artistic taste of that time in Korean craftsmanship.
The site requires some planning since it sits in a rural area and has best accessibility at certain times. Comfortable shoes are recommended because the grounds are uneven and walking across the large area is needed.
The original tomb was moved to a new location in 1731 after snakes and scorpions became a problem in the stone sculptures. This unusual relocation shows how practical problems affected even royal burial sites in earlier times.
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