South Korea to open nine routes near royal tombs — Korea Herald
From October 1 to November 29, South Korea will open nine seasonal forest routes near the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Their total length is about 19 kilometers across Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, Korea Herald reports.
Routes among royal tombs
The trails run between tombs, pine and maple forests, as well as behind burial mounds. In the eastern part of the region, walking routes will be available at the Donggureung complex in the city of Guri, the maple forest route in Gwangneung and the pine trail behind the burial mound at Sareung in Namyangju.
The Donggureung complex, whose name means “Eastern Nine Royal Tombs,” brings together nine burial sites from different periods of the Joseon Dynasty. They include the tomb of the dynasty’s founder, King Taejo, as well as those of Kings Munjong, Seonjo, Hyeonjong, Yeongjo and Heonjong.
Trails will also open between Taereung and Gangneung tombs, a forest route at Uireung in Seoul, an outer forest road at Yeongneung in Yeoju, routes near Jangneung and Samneung in Paju, and a path between Yungneung and Gonneung in Hwaseong. In October, they will operate from 09:00 to 17:00, and in November until 16:30. The routes will be closed every Monday, and access may change due to weather conditions.
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Festival at Hwaseong Fortress
The 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Festival will take place in Suwon’s Paldal district from October 4 to 11. The 5.74-kilometer-long fortress has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. Its construction began in 1794 during the reign of Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of Joseon, and was completed in October 1796.
The festival program includes historical reenactments, performances, media art and evening events. On October 4, a reenactment of King Jeongjo’s royal procession is planned, involving about 1,240 local participants, around 1,000 people in the procession and 60 horses. A corresponding procession will also take place at Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul.
From October 7 to 10, the historical military site Yeonmudae will host the performance “Yajo,” dedicated to the nighttime drills of Jeongjo’s elite troops. From October 5 to 11, Yongyeon will host the evening program “Seonyumong: King's Dream,” combining water, light, music and media art. For the first time, the Royal Route 1795 shuttle service between Seoul and Suwon will be launched for foreign visitors.
