Hwaseong Yungneung and Geolleung

Site details

Yungneung is the tomb of Crown Prince Sado and his wife, Lady Hyegyeong, while Geolleung is the tomb of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of Joseon, and his wife, Queen Hyoui. Crown Prince Sado, the second son of King Yeongjo, the 21st king of Joseon, met a tragic end at the age of 27, suffocating in a rice chest, a consequence of the political factionalism of the time. After ascending the throne, King Jeongjo, Sado's son, posthumously renamed his father Crown Prince Jangheon and, in 1789 (the 13th year of Jeongjo's reign), moved his tomb from the foothills of Mount Baebong to its current location in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. The tomb was initially called Hyeollyungwon, but in 1899 (the 36th year of King Gojong's reign), it was elevated to the status of Yungneung after Sado was posthumously honored as Emperor Jangjo. Lady Hyegyeong, who was interred alongside her husband, was also posthumously honored as Empress Heongyeong. The term "posthumous honor" refers to the act of bestowing a royal title upon someone who did not ascend to the throne during their lifetime. Yungneung, considered to be located on one of the most auspicious sites in Joseon, is grand and ornate, rivaling the tombs of actual kings despite its association with a posthumously honored king. The burial mound is encircled by a delicate byeongpungseok (screen stone) intricately carved with lotus patterns. In front of the tomb stands a jangmyeongdeung (stone lantern) that combines octagonal and square designs, a unique feature. The jangmyeongdeung, which serves to illuminate the tomb and ward off evil spirits, is considered the most beautiful among the stone lanterns found in Joseon royal tombs, due to its innovative design and craftsmanship. Beyond the dense forest to the west of Yungneung lies Geolleung, the joint tomb of King Jeongjo and Queen Hyoui of the Kim clan. Originally located to the east of Yungneung, the tomb was relocated to its current site in 1821 (the 21st year of King Sunjo's reign) due to concerns about the original location's geomantic suitability. Except for the stone railing around the burial mound, Geolleung closely resembles Yungneung in overall atmosphere. As you walk along the path from the entrance, you will encounter a fork in the road; the right path leads to Yungneung, while the left path leads to Geolleung. Annually, a memorial rite for Yungneung is held in April, and for Geolleung in May. The pine and oak tree-lined path offers a serene retreat from the bustle of the city, making it an ideal place for a quiet walk.