Taereung Gangneung (Tombs) 태릉 강릉

Taereung Royal Tomb (태릉) houses the burial mound of Queen Munjeong. It's been designated as World Unesco Heritage Site in June 2009 as a part of all 40 royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.
Queen Munjeong is a highly respectable female figure in Korean history. Driven by political ambitions, she murdered her stepson to make her natal son the king, purged political adversaries, and then administered state affairs from behind the veil for eight years. It is remarkable that she retained absolute power when gender inequality and sexual discrimination prevailed during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Taereung Royal Tomb is a pleasant place to take a stroll and get a sense of the Joseon Dynasty. Upon entering the grounds after passing the forest, you can see a red gate (the red color denoting holiness) with a taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol. The stone paths leading to the sacrificial building 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 were performed in the sacrificial building and small sculptures of animals on the roof called japsang 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. Taereung 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.

산223-19 Gongneung 2(i)-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul, South Korea

+82-2-1330

Adults 1,000 won / Children 500 won

Every Monday