Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Namyangju Sareung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (남양주 사릉(정순왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

2023-06-22

180, Sareung-ro, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Sareung Royal Tomb is the tomb of Queen Jeongsun (1440-1521), a consort to King Danjong. She was perhaps the most tragic royal woman of the Joseon dynasty.

In 1453, she was selected to be queen out of many candidates and actually became the queen two years later. However, when King Danjong was forced to abdicate from the throne in 1457 and was exiled to Yeongwol in Gangwon-do, Queen Jeongsun was deprived of her title as well.

After King Danjong died, she built a thatched-roof house outside Seoul’s Dongdaemun Gate and lived there for the rest of her life, continuing to mourn her husband. The tomb’s name, Sareung, came from the fact that she had missed her dead husband so much.

Unlike other royal tombs, Sareung looks very simple. Its size is relatively small.

Gwangneung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (남양주 광릉(세조, 정희왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

2021-01-22

354, Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-527-7105

Gwangneung, located in Namyangju in Gyeonggi-do is the royal tomb of King Sejo (1417-1468, reign 1455-1468) and Queen Jeonghui (1418-1483). The king and queen are enshrined separately. The tomb on the left is King Sejo’s and the one on the right is Queen Jeonhui’s with a pavilion standing between the two tombs. Requested by King Sejo on his will, the simple design of the tomb and the surrounding compare to the past tombs saved cost and manpower required to finish the work, which became the model for future royal tomb design. Gwangneung is surrounded by forests where an abundance of wild plants grow. It is famous for being the habitat of the Korean redheaded woodpecker (Natural Monument No. 11).

Hongneung and Yureung Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] (남양주 홍릉(고종과 명성황후)과 유릉(순종과 순명,순정 황후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

2021-07-19

352-1, Hongyureung-ro, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Hongneung and Yureung Royal Tombs is Historic Site No. 207. Hongneung Tomb is the resting place of Emperor Gojong and his wife Empress Myeongseong, while Yureung Tomb is the resting place of Emperor Sunjong, his first wife Empress Sunmyeonghyo, and his second wife, Empress Sunjeonghyo. Hongneung and Yureung look different from other royal tombs. When the name of the country changed from the Joseon dynasty to the Daehan Empire, the rulers of Korea were called emperors. Therefore, the tombs of the two emperors were modeled after the tomb of the Ming dynasty’s ruler, King Taizu (Zhu Yuanzhang). Surrounding Hongneung and Yureung are statues carved in the shape of animals such as giraffes, elephants, and lions, which can’t be seen at the other royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty. The stonework of Hongneung tomb was made in a traditional way, while the stonework of Yureung tomb shows a more realistic and advanced technique.

Hwaseong Yongjusa Temple (용주사(화성))

2021-12-21

136, Yongju-ro, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do

Yongjusa Temple is located near Yungneung and Geolleung Royal Tombs. This site was originally the location of Garyangsa Temple, which was constructed in 854, during the 16th year of King Munseong of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was very famous as it was surrounded by beautiful mountains and crystal clear waters. However, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Manchu War of 1636.

During the Joseon dynasty, King Jeongjo moved the tomb of his father to this spot, and built Yongjusa Temple here to pray for the repose of his father’s soul. It is said that one night before the temple was completed, King Jeongjo dreamt of a dragon ascending to the sky holding a magic ball in its mouth. He therefore named the temple “Yongjusa,” which means the temple of a dragon with a magic ball in Korean.

The courtyard of the temple contains the Bronze Bell of Yongjusa Temple, a National Treasure; a stone pagoda; Daeungbojeon (the main hall); and Cheonboru Pavilion. Visitors to Yongjusa Temple can also find the “Bumoeunjunggyeong” books, which were written by King Jeongjo on the subject of filial affection and respect for one’s parents. These days, Yongjusa Temple and the Yungneung and Geolleung Royal Tombs are highly valued for their cultural heritage.

Shinsegae Centum City (신세계 센텀시티)

2024-05-23

35 Centum nam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Shinsegae Centum City Department Store is registered in the Guinness World Records as the largest shopping complex in the world, offering a full range of entertainment options, from an ice rink to movie theater, golf range, and spa. Shops offer everything from womenswear and menswear to childrens clothing brands, cosmetic shops, sporting goods, and more.

Seonyudonggyegok Valley (Sancheong Section) (선유동계곡(산청))

2022-08-10

Suwol-ro, Sancheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Seonyudong means the place where fairies come down from heaven to play. It has been said that fairies would often come down to the valley to make liquor and store them in flagons. There are some leftover depressions in the boulders which demonstrate there may be some truth to the legend.

Near Seonyudonggyegok Valley, they say that the bamboos and pine trees stay green all year long and wood nymphs fly down to play with each other under the Suwolpokpo Falls in Suwol Village.

Nanji Hangang Park (난지한강공원)

2025-01-07

162 Hangangnanji-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Nanji Hangang Park, situated north of the Hangang River near World Cup Park, provides a riverside space for leisure and recreation. The park offers Campgrounds, Water Leisure Sports Facilities, Bike Lane, Waterside Plaza, Mirror Fountain, Riverside Pool, a convenience store, and an information center. The Mirror Fountain emits a rainbow-like light with each water spray. The campgrounds are popular for their proximity to the city and affordable fees. Visitors can enjoy activities such as motorboating, water skiing, and wakeboarding on the Hangang River.

Sono Belle Vivaldi Park Ocean World (소노벨 비발디파크 오션월드)

2026-05-27

262 Hanchigol-gil, Seo-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do

Vivaldi Park's Ocean World boasts over twenty attractions, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Inside, visitors can enjoy a wave pool, lazy river, slides, and open-air baths. The outdoor area features a large wave pool, which serves as a venue for diving shows and DJ performances, with the wave starting every hour marking a highlight of the visit. Beyond the thrilling rides, the park provides all necessary amenities, including food options, cafés, and a sauna, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Sealala Water Park (씨랄라 워터파크)

2024-03-20

(2nd underground floor), 164, Mullae-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Sealala Water Park is a water park at the heart of the city where one can enjoy water activities across the four seasons. Its name is a portmanteau of the sea and lala, symbolizing the fun one can have in the water park. Inspired by the Mediterranean, the water park has water flowing pool, slides, beach pools, the Kids Land, bath pools, and rotating slides. Amenities onsite include convenience stores, manhwa cafe, and a swimming equipment store. Nearby tourist sites include the Yeongdeungpo Park, The National Assembly Building, and the Yeouido Park.

Hwaseong Yungneung and Geolleung Royal Tombs (화성 융릉과 건릉)

2024-03-06

21, Hyohaeng-ro 481beon-gil, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do

Yungneung and Geolleung Royal Tombs refer to a pair of royal tombs. The complex also contains the History Center. Yungneung houses the remains of King Jangjo (1735-1762; also known as Crown Prince Sado) and Queen Heongyeong (1735-1816; Lady Hyegyeong of the Pungsan Hong clan), while Geolleung houses the remains of King Jeongjo (1752-1800), King Jangjo’s son, and Queen Hyoui (1753-1821). King Jeongjo is said to have expressed his wish to be buried here to stay close to his father.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information