Donggureung: The East Nine Royal Tombs

Donggureung, translating to "The East Nine Royal Tombs," serves as the final resting place for 17 kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, including Taejo Yi Seong-gye, the founder of the dynasty. Spanning over 600 years of history, this vast, wooded sanctuary remains untouched and holds deep cultural significance, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a rare glimpse into royal funeral architecture and early Joseon history, all enveloped within an ancient forest.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donggureung

Operating Hours

Donggureung adjusts its schedule according to seasonal daylight. The site is strictly closed every Monday.

February – May / September – October: 06:00 - 18:00 (Last admission at 17:00)

June – August (Summer): 06:00 - 18:30 (Last admission at 17:30)

November – January (Winter): 06:30 - 17:30 (Last admission at 16:30)

Visitor Etiquette

As a sacred burial ground and historical sanctuary, visitors must observe strict decorum to preserve the solemn atmosphere.

Respect the Sacred Walkways: The stone pathways leading to the tombs are split into two parallel tiers. The slightly elevated left path (Hyangro) is reserved exclusively for the spirits. Visitors must walk only on the lower right path (Eoro), which was historically used by the kings.

Maintain Silence: The dense forest magnifies sound easily. Refrain from loud conversations, shouting, or running to keep the environment serene.

Protect the Monuments: Do not cross the low fences surrounding the burial mounds or touch the ancient stone statues.