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At a Glance: Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs offer a serene escape in the heart of Seoul, showcasing Joseon dynasty history.
The Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs are worth trying for anyone interested in Korean history, especially if you appreciate the significance of the Joseon dynasty. However, if you’re expecting grand palaces or lively cultural shows, you might find these tombs less exciting. They are peaceful sites meant for reflection rather than entertainment.
What was my first impression of Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs?
Walking into the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs (서울 선릉과정릉), I was struck by how tranquil the area felt despite being so close to the busy COEX district. The tombs are surrounded by lush greenery, making it a nice break from the urban chaos. The historical significance of this site is palpable; you can’t help but feel a connection to Korea’s past as you explore.
What parts of the site stood out?
The most notable features include the two main tombs: Seolleung, which houses King Seongjong (1457-1495) and Queen Jeonghyeon (1462-1530), and Jeongneung, where King Jungjong (1488-1544) rests. Each tomb is adorned with beautiful stone structures and traditional sculptures that reflect ancient Korean burial practices. Additionally, the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs History Center provides insightful details about these figures, which added depth to my visit.
Honestly, one of the highlights for me was wandering through the park-like surroundings. It’s a great spot for a leisurely walk or a quiet moment. Just be aware that signage can be sparse at times; I found myself guessing which path led where more than once. I noticed most guides skip this detail.
How do you get there and get around?
Reaching Seolleung and Jeongneung is quite straightforward. If you’re using public transportation, take Line 9 to Seolleung Station (선릉역), exit at Gate 1. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from there. Alternatively, various buses also pass nearby; checking local apps can help you plan your route efficiently.
If you’re driving, there’s parking available on-site but it can fill up quickly during weekends. The entrance fee is very affordable at ₩1,000 (about $0.75 USD), making it easy to fit into any budget. I found that pretty refreshing.
A few things to keep in mind
The operating hours vary throughout the year: from February they open at 06:00 until 18:00; from March to October they stay open until 21:00; and during winter months (November-January), closing time is at 17:30. Just remember that last admission is one hour before closing time—plan accordingly!
Restrooms are available on-site along with a snack bar and drinking fountains—handy for when you need a break during your visit. One important tip is to avoid Mondays when they are closed; this caught me off guard during my planning phase!
What are the opening hours for Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs?
The tombs are open from 06:00 to 18:00 in February, 06:00 to 21:00 from March to October, and 06:00 to 17:30 from November to January. Remember that last admission is one hour before closing.
Is there an entrance fee for Seolleung and Jeongneung?
Yes, there is an entrance fee of ₩1,000 (about $0.75 USD) which makes visiting quite budget-friendly.
How can I get to Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs using public transport?
You can take Line 9 on the subway to Seolleung Station (선릉역) and exit at Gate 1. It’s roughly a 10-minute walk from there.
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Useful Korean Phrases
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여기 어떻게 가나요?Yeo-gi eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo?How do I get here?
입구가 어디예요?Ip-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the entrance?
출구가 어디예요?Chul-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the exit?
입장료 얼마예요?Ip-jang-ryo eol-ma-ye-yo?How much is admission?
무료예요?Mu-ryo-ye-yo?Is it free?
학생 할인 있어요?Hak-saeng hal-in i-sseo-yo?Is there a student discount?
외국인 할인 있어요?Oe-guk-in hal-in i-sseo-yo?Is there a discount for foreigners?
단체 할인 되나요?Dan-che hal-in doe-na-yo?Is there a group discount?
표 어디서 사요?Pyo eo-di-seo sa-yo?Where do I buy tickets?
온라인 예매 가능해요?On-la-in ye-mae ga-neung-hae-yo?Can I book online?
몇 시에 문 열어요?Myeot si-e mun yeo-reo-yo?What time do you open?
몇 시에 문 닫아요?Myeot si-e mun da-da-yo?What time do you close?
쉬는 날이 언제예요?Swi-neun na-ri eon-je-ye-yo?What day are you closed?
점심시간 있어요?Jeom-sim-si-gan i-sseo-yo?Do you close for lunch?
마지막 입장이 몇 시예요?Ma-ji-mak ip-jang-i myeot si-ye-yo?What time is the last entry?
영어 안내 있어요?Yeong-eo an-nae i-sseo-yo?Do you have an English guide?
오디오 가이드 있어요?O-di-o ga-i-deu i-sseo-yo?Do you have an audio guide?
지도 있어요?Ji-do i-sseo-yo?Do you have a map?
영어 팸플릿 있어요?Yeong-eo paem-peul-rit i-sseo-yo?Do you have an English brochure?
가이드 투어 있어요?Ga-i-deu tu-eo i-sseo-yo?Do you have guided tours?
해설 프로그램 있어요?Hae-seol peu-ro-geu-raem i-sseo-yo?Are there any commentary programs?
사진 찍어주세요Sa-jin jji-geo-ju-se-yoPlease take a photo for me
여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?Yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo?Can I take photos here?
플래시 사용해도 돼요?Peul-lae-si sa-yong-hae-do dwae-yo?Can I use flash?
동영상 촬영 가능해요?Dong-yeong-sang chwal-yeong ga-neung-hae-yo?Can I record video?
사진 명소가 어디예요?Sa-jin myeong-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the best photo spot?
화장실 어디예요?Hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the restroom?
짐 보관소 있어요?Jim bo-gwan-so i-sseo-yo?Is there a luggage storage?
물 마실 데 있어요?Mul ma-sil de i-sseo-yo?Is there a water fountain?
유모차 대여 가능해요?Yu-mo-cha dae-yeo ga-neung-hae-yo?Can I rent a stroller?
휠체어 이용 가능해요?Hwil-che-eo i-yong ga-neung-hae-yo?Is it wheelchair accessible?
엘리베이터 있어요?El-li-be-i-teo i-sseo-yo?Is there an elevator?
와이파이 되나요?Wa-i-pa-i doe-na-yo?Is there WiFi?
충전할 곳 있어요?Chung-jeon-hal got i-sseo-yo?Is there a place to charge my phone?
카페나 식당 있어요?Ka-pe-na sik-dang i-sseo-yo?Is there a cafe or restaurant?
기념품 가게 어디예요?Gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the souvenir shop?
다 둘러보려면 얼마나 걸려요?Da dul-leo-bo-ryeo-myeon eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?How long does it take to see everything?
꼭 봐야 할 것 뭐예요?Kkok bwa-ya hal geot mwo-ye-yo?What is a must-see here?
근처에 뭐 있어요?Geun-cheo-e mwo i-sseo-yo?What is nearby?
여기서 가장 유명한 게 뭐예요?Yeo-gi-seo ga-jang yu-myeong-han ge mwo-ye-yo?What is the most famous thing here?
일몰 명소가 어디예요?Il-mol myeong-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo?Where is the best sunset spot?
야경이 예뻐요?Ya-gyeong-i ye-ppeo-yo?Is the night view pretty?
밤에도 열어요?Bam-e-do yeo-reo-yo?Is it open at night?
비 와도 볼 수 있어요?Bi wa-do bol su i-sseo-yo?Can I visit even if it rains?
반려동물 데려갈 수 있어요?Bal-lyeo-dong-mul de-ryeo-gal su i-sseo-yo?Can I bring my pet?