"A Journey Through Time Illuminated by Light"... Joseon Royal Tombs Festival Opens on the 17th

At Nine Royal Tomb Sites Including Seolleung Until the 26th
Seongjong Musical Drama and Royal Procession Reenactment

Last Year's Royal Tomb Festival Opening Ceremony Venue

The World Heritage Joseon Royal Tombs Festival, hosted by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the National Heritage Administration and organized by the National Heritage Promotion Agency, will open on October 17 at Seolleung in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This year, under the theme "A Journey Through Time Illuminated by Light," the festival will reinterpret the historical and cultural value of the Joseon royal tombs in a contemporary way.

The opening ceremony will feature a fusion performance combining tradition and modernity. By portraying the royal tombs as gateways connecting the past, present, and future, the event will guide citizens to experience the World Heritage sites in a new way.

The stage will be divided into three acts: "Encountering Light," "Tracing the Roots of Light," and "Planting Light." Each act will showcase special performances highlighting its theme, followed by a celebratory stage that bridges the past and present of K-culture.

The festival will run through October 26 at nine Joseon royal tomb sites across Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. The event will newly spotlight the value of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Joseon royal tombs, including Seolleung and Jeongneung, Taereung and Gangneung, Uireung, Donggureung, Hongneung and Yureung, Seonneung, Yungneung and Geonneung, Gimpo Jangneung, and Yeongneung.

Last Year's Royal Tomb Festival 'The King's Garden'

The most notable program is the historical musical drama "Seongjong, Planting Light." Utilizing modern technology, the performance vividly conveys the symbolism of the royal tombs and the story of King Seongjong. The show will take place at Seolleung at 7:30 p.m. on October 18 and 19.

"Joseon Royal Procession," a reenactment of the royal procession of the king and his civil and military officials, will be held at Seonneung on October 18 and 19, and at Donggureung from October 15 to 26, twice daily (11 a.m. and 3 p.m.). The majestic procession, complete with traditional ceremonial attire, offers a direct experience of the rituals and culture of the Joseon royal tombs.

The nighttime program "Royal Family's Stroll" will take place around Seolleung and Jeongneung from October 21 to 26. Alongside a media art exhibition, there will be gayageum and haegeum performances, allowing visitors to experience traces of the Joseon Dynasty as if taking a stroll through the city.