댓글 0
기사입력 : 2025.10.29 11:10
[교육연합신문=이채원 학생기자]
The 2025 World Heritage Joseon Royal Tombs Festival, held from October 18 to October 26, has officially come to a close. It was held at the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Korea. It houses 40 tombs of the members of the House of Yi, which ruled Korea (at the time known as Joseon, and later as the Korean Empire) between 1392 and 1910. These tombs are scattered throughout the Korean Peninsula.
The royal tombs are the burial sites of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty and the emperors/empresses of the Korean Empire. These are treasured as Korean heritage sites, and so have been preserved in their entirety. Among these tombs, the festival took place across 10 sites: Seolleung and Jengneung, Taereung and Gangneung, Uireung, Dongguerung, Hongneung and Yureung, Gimp Jangneung and Yeongneung, and Yeongneung.
Recently, I have had the opportunity to visit King Sejong’s royal tomb, Yeongneung, on the last day of the festival. Yeongneung, located in Gyeonggi-do, holds both Great King Sejong and his consort, Queen Soheon. Queen Soheon and King Sejong are widely renowned as one of the most respected royal couples in Korean history. King Sejong, who reigned from 1418 to 1450 as the fourth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, is celebrated as the greatest king in Korean history, marking an era of remarkable innovations such as the sundial, rain gauge, and his most significant accomplishment, the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
His creation and proclamation of Hangul in 1446 demonstrates his passion for education, as the newfound language allowed even the most common of Korean citizens to gain literacy they may not have been able to get from Chinese textbooks. Beyond scientific and linguistic accomplishments, King Sejong also strengthened the kingdom through his campaigns against northern outlaws, the subjugation of Tsushima Island, and the advancement of printing technology, which expanded academic opportunities for his people.
The center of Yeongneung, King Sejong’s royal tomb has an octagonal stone lantern, surrounded by stone structures of animals–sheep, tigers, horses, scholars, soldiers, and posts. These stone structures have been placed in the belief of protecting the king’s deceased self and his legacy. The animals are positioned outward, as if facing the evil spirits themselves, while the curved wall that surrounds the tomb offers extra protection. The sculptures have their respective significance, with the scholars representing King Sejong’s court and the horses representing his power and influence.
The World Heritage Joseon Royal Tombs Festival occurs annually to provide opportunities to see the tombs up close. Events include royal procession to Joseon Tombs, “Royal Tomb Tales”, concerts, strolls, and more. Yeongneung, in particular, is a beautiful location especially in autumn where visitors can enjoy the colorful foliage and the peaceful pathways. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of historical remembrance, the Joseon Royal Tombs Festival is a great chance to connect with Korean history and with great historical leaders like the Great King Sejong.
ⓒ 교육연합신문 & www.eduyonhap.com 무단전재-재배포금지
전체댓글 0
