Taeneung Royal Tomb in Seoul

Taeneung Royal Tomb in Seoul houses the burial mound of Queen Munjeong. Queen Munjeong is a powerful female figure in Korean history. Impelled by political ambitions, she murdered her stepson to make her natal son the king, threw up her political adversaries and controlled the state affairs from behind the veil for eight years. Indeed, the royal tomb of such a intriguing character is a fascinating site to visit.

Features of Taeneung Royal Tomb in Seoul

  -   Taeneung Royal Tomb in Seoul is located at San 223-19, Gongneung-dong in Nowon-gu.

  -   Queen Munjeong was a remarkable personality in Korean history as she held absolute power when gender inequality and sexual discrimination were the order of the day during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

  -   Taeneung Royal Tomb is a beautiful place to take a stroll and get a sense of the Joseon Dynasty.

  -   As you enter the grounds after crossing the forest, you can see a red gate with a taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol.

  -   The red color denotes holiness in Korean tradition.

  -   There are stone paths leading to the sacrificial building.

  -   These are noteworthy because there are two stone paths -- the elevated path is for the dead queen and the lower one is for living people.

  -   The memorial rites used to be performed in the sacrificial building.

  -   There are small sculptures of animals on the roof.

  -   These are called japsang and were believed to exorcise evil spirits.

  -   Other sculptures of sheep, tigers, horses and military officers surround the tomb and act as guardians of the dead queen.

  -   Taeneung Royal Tomb has become a popular site after the TV show 'Munjeong Wanghu' was aired.

  -   The best time to visit is in the spring and autumn rather than in the hot summer.

  -   Taeneung Royal Tomb remains open to public from 9:00 hrs to 18:30 hrs. The site remains close on every Monday.

  -   Take bus No. 1155 or 1156 from the Seokgye Station and get off at Taeneung Gangneung after a 15 minutes' ride.