A Historical Journey Along the "Neunghaeng-gil" of the Joseon Royal Tombs

Eight Royal Tombs Tour Returns Next Month
Two New Courses Added for One-Day Expert-Guided Experience

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the National Heritage Administration announced on August 20 that it will operate the "2025 Second Half Wangneung Palgyeong" travel program 22 times from September 6 to November 10, linking the royal tombs and palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.

Scenes from the Jeongjo Royal Procession event, one of the 'Wangneung Palgyeong' in the first half of this year
[Photo by National Heritage Administration]

The Wangneung Palgyeong is a one-day experiential tour program that connects the royal tombs, palaces, and surrounding historical and cultural resources of the Joseon Dynasty, guided by expert instructors. The program is designed so that participants can walk through the royal tombs and gain a direct understanding of historical events and ceremonies related to "Neunghaeng" (royal tomb processions) during the Joseon era. In the first half of the year, about 300 people participated in six courses: the Joseon Royal Family Procession Route (Paju Samneung), Samjeon Procession Route (Namyangju Gwangneung), Seongjong Procession Route (Yeoju Yeongneung), Danjong's Route (Yeongwol Jangneung), Sukjong Procession Route (Goyang Seooreung), and Jeongjo Royal Procession Route (Hwaseong Yungneung and Geonneung).

For the second half of the year, two new courses will be added to the existing six: the Korean Empire Royal Inspection Route (Seoul Uireung) and the Emperor Sunjong Procession Route (Guri Donggureung and Namyangju Hongneung), bringing the total to eight courses. Each course offers a variety of experiences, such as pottery making, visiting the Yeongwol traditional market, crafting mother-of-pearl art in the shape of tombstone sculptures, forest sound therapy at the royal tombs, and musical performances. All participants will receive a specially made "Joseon Royal Tombs Yutnori" game as a souvenir.

Each session is limited to 25 participants. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through Naver Reservation at 11 a.m. on August 21 (for September), September 25 (for October), and October 16 (for November). The participation fee is 30,000 won for adults and 20,000 won for children and teenagers, with up to four people per reservation. Seniors aged 65 or older, people with disabilities, and national merit recipients can also make reservations by phone.

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center stated, "We hope participants will discover their own 'Palgyeong' while appreciating the diverse charms of the Joseon Royal Tombs, especially amidst the autumn foliage of the royal tomb forests."