Gyeongneung, Royal tomb in Guri, South Korea.
Gyeongneung is a royal tomb in Guri comprised of a burial mound encircled by stone structures, red pavilions, and guardian statues arranged according to traditional patterns. The entire site is part of the larger Donggureung Royal Tombs complex and displays the characteristic layout of the Joseon period.
King Heonjong of the Joseon Dynasty, who ruled from 1834 to 1849, rests here alongside his two queens, Hyohyeon and Hyojeong. The construction of this tomb reflected the royal burial practices of the late Joseon period.
The burial site follows strict Confucian principles, with separate zones for ceremonies and marked pathways that guide visitors through sacred areas. You can see how these spatial divisions shape the way the site is experienced as you walk through it.
The site is accessible through eight marked hiking trails that connect various sections of the Donggureung Royal Tombs complex. It is best to wear sturdy footwear and allow time to explore multiple graves throughout the grounds.
Stone figures called seokjangseung stand guard around the tomb, representing both civil officers and military generals from the Joseon period. These guardian statues are characteristic of royal burial sites and reflect the high status of those interred here.
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