Donggureung (East Nine Royal Tombs) is the largest cluster of royal burial sites from the Joseon Dynasty in South Korea, making it a significant part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.” Located in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, this complex serves as the eternal resting place for seventeen monarchs and their consorts.
The site houses nine separate mausoleums (neung-type tombs), including that of the dynasty’s founder, King Taejo, at Geonwolleung. These tombs were meticulously sited according to the principles of pungsu (geomancy), ensuring harmony between the sacred resting places and the surrounding natural landscape, framed by mountains and traditional architectural elements.
The complex reflects the Confucian values of filial piety central to the Joseon era, with detailed protocols governing their construction and the annual memorial rites that are still performed today. Visitors can explore the tranquil, forested grounds, observing the distinct stone statues and structures—like the Muninseok (scholars) and guardian animals—that protect the graves. Donggureung offers a profound, tangible connection to over 500 years of Korean royal history and funerary tradition.
