“Lost souls beware.” The Jeongneung Red Spiked Gate stands before you. Its vibrant red timbers and sharp spikes pierce the Seoul skyline. They whisper tales of ancient beliefs and royal slumber. The Jeongneung Red Spiked Gate is more than just an entrance. It’s a portal between the mundane and the sacred, guarding the final resting place of King Jungjong. This gate, also known as a hongsalmun, marks the entry to a sacred realm. The striking red color isn’t just for show. It’s believed to ward off malevolent spirits, protecting the sanctity of the royal tomb within. Look closely at the gate. Notice the two towering round poles and the two transverse bars. These pillars can reach over nine meters in height. The gate has no roof and no door, symbolizing the open passage between the living world and the realm of the ancestors. At the very top, you might see the symbol of a trident and the taegeuk image. These symbols represent balance and harmony, essential elements in the Confucian worldview that shaped the Joseon Dynasty. King Jungjong, whose tomb lies beyond this gate, was the eleventh monarch of the Joseon Dynasty. His reign was marked by political turmoil and reform efforts. He ascended to the throne after his half-brother, the tyrannical King Yeonsangun, was overthrown. The Jeongneung Red Spiked Gate is a testament to the rich history and cultural beliefs of Korea. It stands as a silent guardian of the past, inviting us to step beyond its threshold and connect with the stories of those who came before.
Jeongneung Red Spiked Gate
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
More Places in Seoul
Myeongnyun 1-ga
Wander through the streets and discover the charm of Myeongnyun 1(il)-ga. This area in Jongno-gu Seoul blends modern city life
Wolgye High School
Did you know Wolgye High School stands in the heart of Seoul’s Nowon District? Its location within Wolgye-dong a vibrant
조선 예종 창릉 예종릉
“Where lie kings and queens?” That is the question we ponder as we approach this serene space. This is the
Seoul Digital University
Indeed, Seoul Digital University stands as a pioneering institution. It delivers education entirely online. Imagine being able to study from
Amsa 2 Dong Community Service Center
“Another community center?” you might ask yourself. But the Amsa 2 Dong Community Service Center is more than just a
Mecenatpolis
A breathtaking canyon. That’s what Mecenatpolis in Seoul reminds me of. Its design is inspired by nature’s elegant curves. Located
Daesin-dong
Stretching before us lies Daesin-dong a legal dong in Seoul. It is more than just a neighborhood. Daesin-dong is a