The Cultural Heritage Administration headquarters at Government Complex Daejeon / Yonhap
Seeking to transform the solemn air of royal burial grounds into a vibrant cultural experience, the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) will launch a months-long series of public programs across five Joseon Dynasty tomb sites in Seoul.
Beginning May 16, the initiative will feature guided tours and traditional performances at the UNESCO World Heritage sites, part of a broader effort to reimagine these centuries-old landscapes as accessible public assets.
The program series, titled "Exploring Joseon Royal Tombs," is organized by the Central District Office of the Palace and Tomb Management Division and covers Taegangneung, Uireung, Seonjeongneung, Heonineung and Jeongneung.
The schedule opens May 16 at Taegangneung with a forest trail walk centered on the story of Queen Munjeong and King Myeongjong, paired with a royal genealogy card-making activity.
On June 20, the Uireung tomb site will host a guided exploration of the lives of King Gyeongjong and Queen Seonui, culminating in a participatory performance that blurs the line between history and theater. In a nod toward social equity, the KHS has extended special invitations to multicultural families and other marginalized groups, framing the UNESCO-designated site not just as a relic of the Joseon past, but as a space for modern communal engagement.
At Seonjeongneung on Sept. 19, visitors can explore the spatial symbolism of the tomb complex through a program focused on Kings Seongjong and Jungjong and Queen Jeonghyeon, along with a royal-pattern accessory-making workshop. The following day, Sept. 20, a quiz competition modeled on the Joseon civil service examination will be held for families with elementary school children and foreign visitors.
On Oct. 9, Korea's Hangeul Day, Heonineung will host a walk and immersive performance on King Taejong and Queen Wongyeong. The series concludes Oct. 24 at Jeongneung with a program on Queen Sindeok and a stamp-and-puzzle activity tracing the tomb's history of construction, relocation and restoration.
Artificial intelligence-generated English audio guides for Seolleung in Gangnam District and Jeongneung in Seongbuk District are to be released in the second half of the year.
All programs are free, though tomb admission fees and parking charges apply. Advance reservations are required, with May bookings opening May 1 at 11 a.m. through the Palace and Tomb Management Division website at royal.khs.go.kr.
Source: Korea Times News
