A fallen pillar. Its inscription speaks of a discarded stone. A piece of Seolleung’s history forgotten beneath the soil.
Welcome to Seolleung the tomb of King Seongjong. This is more than just a burial site. It’s a window into the Joseon Dynasty. Seolleung houses the remains of King Seongjong the ninth monarch. His reign from 1469 to 1494 was a time of prosperity. His wife Queen Jeonghyeon rests beside him. Her tomb was constructed in 1530.
Now you see the double mounds. One for the king. One for the queen. They sit on neighboring hills. Observe the twelve-faced retaining stones around King Seongjong’s mound. Each face displays an animal of the Oriental zodiac. Queen Jeonghyeon’s mound lacks these stones. It does have a twelve-angled stone railing though. A subtle difference. A silent story of their lives.
Notice the T-shaped shrine. It’s where ancestral rites were held. Imagine the solemn ceremonies. The offerings prepared in the nearby royal kitchen. The tomb guards once stationed in their dedicated house nearby. These structures remain a testament to those rituals.
The park itself is tranquil. A serene contrast to bustling Seoul. It’s easy to forget the city’s energy. The lush forest provides a peaceful setting. Benches invite you to rest and reflect. The small hills and clusters of trees create a natural border. A separation between the past and the present.
King Seongjong wasn’t just known for prosperity. He also enacted the Widow Remarriage Ban in 1477. It reinforced social stigma against women who remarried. Their sons were barred from public office. This shows a complex side of his reign. A side not often highlighted.
Seolleung is part of Seonjeongneung. This larger complex also includes Jeongneung. It is the tomb of King Jungjong. Seongjong’s son. Jeongneung’s history is unique. It was moved here in 1562. Its original location was in Goyang. Queen Munjeong moved it. She intended to be buried next to her husband. Frequent floods prevented that. She is buried elsewhere. A tale of plans and nature’s unexpected twists.
Seonjeongneung became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009. This recognizes its universal value. The harmonious blend of traditional Korean architecture and nature. The ancestral rites still performed. They continue the cultural legacy.
As you leave Seolleung remember more than just kings and queens. Remember the stories etched in stone. The whispers of the past. The serenity of this unexpected oasis in the heart of Seoul. The silent testament to a forgotten piece of history that lies beneath the earth. This site shows the complexity and resilience of Korean history. Its blending of grandeur and simplicity. It is a place of quiet contemplation. A place that transcends time.