Sareung Royal Tomb in 
Namyangju City

Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province

Tomb of Queen Jeongsun

Tomb of Queen Jeongsun

Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju

South Korea is a land of rich cultural heritage and history. The country boasts of numerous historical places, royal tombs, and monuments that serve as a testament to its glorious past.

Among these, the Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju City stands out as a significant site from the Joseon dynasty.

The tomb is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a serene and peaceful place. The history of the Sareung Royal Tomb is fascinating, and it offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family during the Joseon dynasty.

In this article, we will delve into the historical events that led to the creation of this tomb and its present status.

Historical Background

Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju - Tomb of Queen Jeongsun

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

In 1453, she was chosen as queen out of many candidates and ascended to the throne two years later. 

However, when King Danjong was dethroned in 1457 and was exiled to Yeongwol in Gangwon-do, Queen Jeongsun was also stripped of her title. 

Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju - Entrance Ticketing Area

After King Danjong passed away, she built a thatched-roof house outside of Seoul's Dongdaemun Gate and lived there for the remainder of her life, mourning her husband. 

The name of the tomb, Sareung, comes from the fact that she greatly missed her deceased husband. Unlike other royal tombs, Sareung is relatively small and very simple in design.

Queen Jeongsun's Tragic Life

Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju (사릉 남양주시) - Offering Ceremony Hall

Offerings Arrangement

Stele of Queen Jeongsun

Queen Jeongsun's life was marked by a series of tragic events that left her heartbroken and uncertain about her future.

In 1453, she was among the many candidates vying for the coveted position of queen consort. Despite the fierce competition, she stood out among the rest, and her charm and intelligence earned her the title.

In 1455, she officially became King Danjong's queen consort two years later. At the time, she was only 18 years old, but her beauty and grace captivated the attention of the entire court.

The young couple was overjoyed and looked forward to a lifetime of happiness together.

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Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. In 1457, just two years after becoming queen consort, King Danjong was forcibly removed from the throne by his uncle, Sejo, who was thirsty for power.

The young king was exiled to Yeongwol in Gangwon-do, where he lived in isolation for the rest of his life.

This cruel act also turned Queen Jeongsun's life upside down. Her royal title was stripped away, and she was forced to live a life of sorrow and uncertainty.

She was no longer allowed to live in the palace and was separated from her husband, whom she loved deeply.

She was left with no choice but to move to a remote temple, where she spent the rest of her life in seclusion, mourning her lost love and the life she once knew.

Queen Jeongsun's life was marked by tragedy and heartbreak. Her story serves as a reminder of the fragility of power and the devastating consequences of political ambition.

A Life of Mourning

Queen Jeongsun's thatched-roof house, located outside Seoul's Dongdaemun Gate, was a modest abode providing the privacy and comfort she needed to mourn her late husband, King Danjong.

She spent the rest of her life in that house. The house was a reflection of her deep longing for her deceased husband and her unwavering devotion to him.

It was a place where she could retreat from the world and grieve in peace, far away from the intrigues and power struggles of the royal court.

Unassuming Beauty

Hidden amidst the lush greenery lies a gem of history and architecture - the Sareung Royal Tomb. Although it may be smaller than other royal tombs, it possesses an unparalleled charm and tranquility that will leave you in awe. 

As you step inside, the sheer simplicity of the tomb will take your breath away. The serene atmosphere surrounding the tomb reflects the sad and tragic life of Queen Jeongsun, whose remains lie here. 

But don't let the simplicity fool you - the intricate architecture and design of the tomb are a testament to the remarkable skill of the artisans who built it.

As you explore the tomb, you'll be transported to a different era, and the past stories will come to life before you. 

The peaceful ambiance of the tomb will leave you feeling rejuvenated, and the solemn beauty of the place will make you reflect on life's fleeting nature.

So, if you are a history enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, the Sareung Royal Tomb is a must-visit.

Namyangju City's hiking trails

Present Status:

• UNESCO World Heritage: Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Location: Namyangju Ciry, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Admission Fee: KRW 1,000 (approximately $1).
• Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours.

When you visit this historic site, you will be able to pay homage to the memory of Queen Jeongsun, who was an influential figure in Korean history.

By exploring the site, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience, courage, and strength of the Korean people throughout history.

The site is a fascinating window into the past, filled with stories and events that will surely capture your imagination.

Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju (사릉 남양주시)

Namyangju City is a beautiful place to visit, packed with exciting stories and historical events.

We highly recommend spending a night or two in the area if you have the time. There are many great hotels to choose from that offer comfortable accommodations and exceptional service.

If you are a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Namyangju City has something for you.

Thank you for reading our article. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to let us know.

http://www.realk.kr/destination/gyeonggi-do/namyangju-si/namyangju-sareung-royal-tomb-unesco-world-heritage/

Getting to Sareung Royal Tomb

To get to Sareung or Geumgok Post Office from Cheongnyangni Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), take Exit 2 and cross the road in front of Hyundaicore (현대코아). Then, take bus 165-3 and get off at Sareung (사릉) or Geumgok Post Office (금곡우체국).

Alternatively, you can get to Sareung or Geumgok Post Office from Gangbyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), take Exit 4, cross the road, and take bus 9-1. Get off at Sareung (사릉) or Geumgok Post Office (금곡우체국).

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