Royal Tombs of the Koryo Dynasty
Encyclopedia
The Royal Tombs of the Koryo Dynasty are a group of tomb
s of members of the Korea
n Koryo Dynasty (918-1392).
, the Koryo capital. Most tombs are located in Kaepung
County, which borders Kaesong to the west, though there are also a significant number in Changpung
county, which borders Kaesong to the east. Some tombs, all unidentified, are also located within Kaesong itself.
Koryo-era royal tombs followed the guidelines outlined in Chinese Confucian texts, such as the Book of Rites (Li Ji) and the Rites of Zhou
(Zhou Li). Many factors went into consideration when deciding the location of a tomb, such as the distance from Kaesong
, the distance in relation to other royal tombs, the accessibility of the location, and the tradition of Feng Shui
(known as 'pungsu' in Korean
). The tomb construction also took into account traditional burial rituals of Korea and the natural environment.
Hyonrung (현릉/), also known as the Tomb of King Wanggon, is the tomb of Emperor Taejo
(877-943, r. 918-943), founder of the Koryo dynasty. Taejo, who adopted that name upon ascending the throne, was the first king to unify the entire Korean peninsula after subjugation the southern states of Silla
and Paekje. Construction on the tomb began after the king's death in 943. He was buried with his favorite wife, Empress Sinhye.
The tomb was heavily reconstructed in 1994, and all of the original buildings and statues were cleared away in order to accomplish its "restoration". Today, the burial chamber is open to tourists, and displays the coffins containing the remains of Taejo and his queen, as well as the tomb's original carved decorations.
Hyonrung is located on the side of Mt. Mansu in Haeson-ri, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean National Treasure #179
. In the valley behind the tomb is the Chilrunggun, a group of seven tombs containing the remains of various princes, princesses, and concubines.
Chongrung (정릉/) is the tomb of Queen Sinsong, a wife of Emperor Taejo. The tomb is in poor condition, with only its earthen burial mound and some stone pillars remaining. It is located in Hwagok-ri, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #573
.
Anrung (안릉/) is the burial place of Emperor Jongjong (923-949, r. 946-949), third monarch of the Koryo dynasty. It is in fair condition, with its burial mound, with stone base, and two guardian statues intact. Wall murials found in the burial chamber depict landscapes and hunting scenes, while the ceiling is painted with 28 stars and six constellations. The murals in the tomb are considered an important link to earlier Koguryo tomb art.
Anrung is located on the south face of Kaesong's Namsan in Konam-ri, Kaepung County, next to Yangrung. It is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #552
.
Honrung (헌릉/) is the tomb of Emperor Kwangjong
(925-975, r. 949-975), fourth monarch of the Koryo dynasty. The tomb survives in fair condition, though it is missing its guardian statues. It is located in Samgo-ri, Kaesong, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #545
.
Yongrung (영릉/) contains the remains of Emperor Kyongjong
(955-981, r. 975-981), fifth monarch of the Koryo dynasty. The tomb is good condition, with its original stone railings and guardian statues. It is located on the side of Mt. Jinbong in Panmun, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #569
.
Kangrung (강릉/) is the tomb of Emperor Songjong
(960-997, r. 981-997), sixth monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Nothing remains of his tomb but its earthen burial mound. It is located near Jinbong-ri, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #567
.
Sonrung (선릉/) is the burial place of Emperor Hyonjong
(992-1031, r. 1009-1031), eighth monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Next to his grave are two tombs known as Sonrunggun Tomb #2 & 3, which contain the remains of two unknown relatives. Though Sonrung is in good condition, the other two are in a state of disrepair, with Tomb #3 in addition having lost its guardian deities. The three graves are located in Haeson-ri, Kaepung County, and are listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #547
.
Konrung (건릉/) and Wonrung (원릉/) are respectively the tombs of Anjongok and Empress Dowager Honjong, the parents of Emperor Hyonjong. The tombs are in good condition, though not particularly elaborate. The two graves are located in Hyonhwa Valley in Wolgo-ri, Changpung County. They are listed as North Korean Cultural Assets #572 & 571
, respectively.
Kyongrung (경릉/) is the tomb of Emperor Munjong
(1019-1083, r. 1046-1083), 11th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Though his tomb remains intact, it is severely weathered. It is located in Kyongrung-dong near Sonjuk-ri, Changpung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #570
.
Songrung (성릉/) is the burial place of Emperor Sunjong
(1047-1083, r. 1083), 12th monarch of the Koryo dynasty, who died within a year of ascending the throne. His tomb is very small, but in intact. It is located near Jinbong-ri in Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #568
.
Yurung (유릉/) contains the remains of Emperor Yejong
(1097-1122, r. 1105-1122), 16th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Almost nothing remains of it. It is located near Osan-ri in Kaepung County.
Yangrung (양릉/) is the tomb of Emperor Sinjong
(1144-1204, r. 1197-1204), 20th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. It is in poor condition, with only the earthen burial mound and one guardian statue still remaining. Slightly damaged wall murials found in the burial chamber depict 158 dogs, while the ceiling is decorated with constellations including the Big Dipper
. As with Anrung, the murals in the tomb are considered an important link to earlier Koguryo tomb art. Yangrung is located on the south face of Kaesong's Namsan in Konam-ri, Kaepung County, next to Anrung. It is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #553
.
(1152-1213, r. 1211-1213), 22nd monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Almost nothing remains of it. It is located near Hyonhwa-ri in Kaepung County. It is not to be confused with the nearby tomb of the same name
belonging to King Jongjong
of the Choson
dynasty.
Sorung (소릉/) is the burial place of Emperor Wonjong
(1214-1274, r. 1260-1274), 24th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Wonjong was the last Koguryo monarch to be titled Emperor due to the Mongol invasion. Near to his grave are five tombs known as Sorunggun Tombs #2, 3, 4, and 5, which contain the remains of four unknown relatives. With the exception of Tomb #3, all of the tombs are in good repair. The five graves are located in Sorung Valley in Ryonghung-dong, Kaesong, and are listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #562
.
Myongrung (명릉/) is the burial place of King Chungmok
(1337-1348, r. 1344-1348), 29th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Near to his grave are two tombs known as Myongrunggun Tombs #2 and 3, which contain the remains of two unknown relatives. The tombs are all in fair condition, weathered but intact. The three graves are located in Yonrung-ri in Kaepung County; Myongrung itself is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #549
, while the Tombs #2 and 3 are listed as Cultural Asset #169.
Hyonjongrung (현정릉/), better known as the Tomb of King Kongmin is the burial place of King Kongmin
(1330-1374, r. 1351-1374), 31st monarch of the Koryo dynasty, and his wife, the Mongolian princess Noguk. It is the best-preserved of the Koryo dynasty royal tombs, and a popular tourist site. Construction on the tombs began after Queen Noguk's death in 1365, and was completed seven years later in 1372. The tombs consist of a carved granite base topped with a small hill; they are surrounded by statues of sheep and tigers, representing the nations of Korea and Mongolia respectively. The "spirit road" up to the tombs is lined with statues of military officers and Confucian officials. Their placement was an important consideration for the king, and many geomancers, astrologers, and mathematicians were consulted to make sure the site had good feng shui. Unfortunately,the tomb's relics were lost in 1905 when the tomb chamber was blasted opened with dynamite and looted by the Japanese; most of the relics inside were believed to be taken to Japan
, though Kongmin's coffin is exhibited in the Koryo Museum in Kaesong.
The tomb is located in Haeson-ri, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean National Treasure #123
.
Tomb
A tomb is a repository for the remains of the dead. It is generally any structurally enclosed interment space or burial chamber, of varying sizes...
s of members of the Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
n Koryo Dynasty (918-1392).
The tombs
The royal tombs are scattered around southwestern North Hwanghae Province, with most of them located within 20 kilometers of KaesongKaesong
Kaesŏng is a city in North Hwanghae Province, southern North Korea , a former Directly Governed City, and the capital of Korea during the Koryo Dynasty. The city is near Kaesŏng Industrial Region and it contains the remains of the Manwoldae palace. It was formally named Songdo while it was the...
, the Koryo capital. Most tombs are located in Kaepung
Kaepung
Kaep'ung is a county in North Hwanghae province, North Korea. Formerly part of the Kaesong urban area, the county was merged with North Hwanghae when Kaesong was demoted in 2003...
County, which borders Kaesong to the west, though there are also a significant number in Changpung
Changpung
Changp'ung is a county in North Hwanghae province, North Korea. Formerly part of the Kaesong urban area, the county was merged with North Hwanghae when Kaesong was demoted in 2003...
county, which borders Kaesong to the east. Some tombs, all unidentified, are also located within Kaesong itself.
Koryo-era royal tombs followed the guidelines outlined in Chinese Confucian texts, such as the Book of Rites (Li Ji) and the Rites of Zhou
Rites of Zhou
The Rites of Zhou , also known as Zhouguan, is one of three ancient ritual texts listed among the classics of Confucianism. It was later renamed Zhouli by Liu Xin to differentiate it from a chapter in the Classic of History which was also known as Zhouguan.Though tradition ascribed the text of the...
(Zhou Li). Many factors went into consideration when deciding the location of a tomb, such as the distance from Kaesong
Kaesong
Kaesŏng is a city in North Hwanghae Province, southern North Korea , a former Directly Governed City, and the capital of Korea during the Koryo Dynasty. The city is near Kaesŏng Industrial Region and it contains the remains of the Manwoldae palace. It was formally named Songdo while it was the...
, the distance in relation to other royal tombs, the accessibility of the location, and the tradition of Feng Shui
Feng shui
Feng shui ' is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi. The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu ....
(known as 'pungsu' in Korean
Korean language
Korean is the official language of the country Korea, in both South and North. It is also one of the two official languages in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in People's Republic of China. There are about 78 million Korean speakers worldwide. In the 15th century, a national writing...
). The tomb construction also took into account traditional burial rituals of Korea and the natural environment.
Hyonrung
37°59′6"N 126°30′19"EHyonrung (현릉/), also known as the Tomb of King Wanggon, is the tomb of Emperor Taejo
Taejo of Goryeo
Taejo of Goryeo was the founder of the Goryeo Dynasty, which ruled Korea from the 10th to the 14th century. Taejo ruled from 918 to 943.-Background:...
(877-943, r. 918-943), founder of the Koryo dynasty. Taejo, who adopted that name upon ascending the throne, was the first king to unify the entire Korean peninsula after subjugation the southern states of Silla
Silla
Silla was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, and one of the longest sustained dynasties in...
and Paekje. Construction on the tomb began after the king's death in 943. He was buried with his favorite wife, Empress Sinhye.
The tomb was heavily reconstructed in 1994, and all of the original buildings and statues were cleared away in order to accomplish its "restoration". Today, the burial chamber is open to tourists, and displays the coffins containing the remains of Taejo and his queen, as well as the tomb's original carved decorations.
Hyonrung is located on the side of Mt. Mansu in Haeson-ri, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean National Treasure #179
National treasures of North Korea
Designated national treasures of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value.-No. 1-50:-No. 51-100:-No. 101-150:-No...
. In the valley behind the tomb is the Chilrunggun, a group of seven tombs containing the remains of various princes, princesses, and concubines.
- Main article: Tomb of King WanggonTomb of King WanggonThe Tomb of King Wanggŏn, more correctly known as the Hyŏllŭng Royal Tomb, is a mausoleum located Haesong-ri, Kaepung-gun near Kaesŏng, North Korea...
Chongrung
37°51′29"N 126°33′35"EChongrung (정릉/) is the tomb of Queen Sinsong, a wife of Emperor Taejo. The tomb is in poor condition, with only its earthen burial mound and some stone pillars remaining. It is located in Hwagok-ri, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #573
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Anrung
37°56′58"N 126°33′17"EAnrung (안릉/) is the burial place of Emperor Jongjong (923-949, r. 946-949), third monarch of the Koryo dynasty. It is in fair condition, with its burial mound, with stone base, and two guardian statues intact. Wall murials found in the burial chamber depict landscapes and hunting scenes, while the ceiling is painted with 28 stars and six constellations. The murals in the tomb are considered an important link to earlier Koguryo tomb art.
Anrung is located on the south face of Kaesong's Namsan in Konam-ri, Kaepung County, next to Yangrung. It is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #552
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Honrung
38°2′24"N 126°31′19"EHonrung (헌릉/) is the tomb of Emperor Kwangjong
Gwangjong of Goryeo
Gwangjong was the fourth emperor of Goryeo.Goryeo met the time of change by ascending of Gwangjong. At his early stage as ruler, he maintained a passive attitude to nobles. However, he became more and more drastic. Choi Seung-Ro said that his regime can be divided into three parts. First is the...
(925-975, r. 949-975), fourth monarch of the Koryo dynasty. The tomb survives in fair condition, though it is missing its guardian statues. It is located in Samgo-ri, Kaesong, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #545
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Yongrung
37°56′4"N 126°35′26"EYongrung (영릉/) contains the remains of Emperor Kyongjong
Gyeongjong of Goryeo
Gyeongjong of Goryeo was the fifth ruler of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He was the eldest son of Gwangjong, and was confirmed as Crown Prince in the year of his birth....
(955-981, r. 975-981), fifth monarch of the Koryo dynasty. The tomb is good condition, with its original stone railings and guardian statues. It is located on the side of Mt. Jinbong in Panmun, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #569
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Kangrung
37°56′9"N 126°33′26"EKangrung (강릉/) is the tomb of Emperor Songjong
Seongjong of Goryeo
Seongjong of Goryeo was the sixth monarch of the medieval Korean kingdom Goryeo. He was the second son of Daejong, and a grandson of Emperor Taejo. He ascended the throne after Gyeongjong stepped down....
(960-997, r. 981-997), sixth monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Nothing remains of his tomb but its earthen burial mound. It is located near Jinbong-ri, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #567
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Sonrung Cluster
37°59′36"N 126°30′16"ESonrung (선릉/) is the burial place of Emperor Hyonjong
Hyeonjong of Goryeo
Hyeonjong of Goryeo was the 8th ruler of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He was a grandson of Emperor Taejo. He was appointed by the military leader Gang Jo, whom the previous Emperor Mokjong had called upon to destroy a plot by Kim Chi-yang.In 1010, The Khitan attacked again during an internal...
(992-1031, r. 1009-1031), eighth monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Next to his grave are two tombs known as Sonrunggun Tomb #2 & 3, which contain the remains of two unknown relatives. Though Sonrung is in good condition, the other two are in a state of disrepair, with Tomb #3 in addition having lost its guardian deities. The three graves are located in Haeson-ri, Kaepung County, and are listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #547
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Konrung & Wonrung
38°3′41"N 126°36′1"E/38°3′38"N 126°36′4"EKonrung (건릉/) and Wonrung (원릉/) are respectively the tombs of Anjongok and Empress Dowager Honjong, the parents of Emperor Hyonjong. The tombs are in good condition, though not particularly elaborate. The two graves are located in Hyonhwa Valley in Wolgo-ri, Changpung County. They are listed as North Korean Cultural Assets #572 & 571
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
, respectively.
Kyongrung
38°0′27"N 126°39′39"EKyongrung (경릉/) is the tomb of Emperor Munjong
Munjong of Goryeo
Munjong was the 11th monarch of the Goryeo that ruled Korea from 1046 to 1083.Emperor Munjong was born in 1019 and reigned from 1046 until his death in 1083. During his reign, the central government of Goryeo gained complete authority and power over local lords. Munjong and later emperors...
(1019-1083, r. 1046-1083), 11th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Though his tomb remains intact, it is severely weathered. It is located in Kyongrung-dong near Sonjuk-ri, Changpung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #570
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Songrung
37°56′16"N 126°32′59"ESongrung (성릉/) is the burial place of Emperor Sunjong
Sunjong of Goryeo
Sunjong of Goryeo was briefly the 12th ruler of Goryeo. He was the eldest son of Munjong and the older brother of Seonjong. He had been confirmed as heir to the throne in 1054. However, he died within a year of his ascension in 1083....
(1047-1083, r. 1083), 12th monarch of the Koryo dynasty, who died within a year of ascending the throne. His tomb is very small, but in intact. It is located near Jinbong-ri in Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #568
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Yurung
37°56′15"N 126°32′56"EYurung (유릉/) contains the remains of Emperor Yejong
Yejong of Goryeo
Yejong of Goryeo was the 16th monarch of the Korean Goryeo dynasty.-Biography:He was the eldest son of king Sukjong and Queen Myeongui...
(1097-1122, r. 1105-1122), 16th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Almost nothing remains of it. It is located near Osan-ri in Kaepung County.
Yangrung
37°56′55"N 126°33′27"EYangrung (양릉/) is the tomb of Emperor Sinjong
Sinjong of Goryeo
King Sinjong of Goryeo was the twentieth monarch of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. The fifth son of King Injong, Sinjong took the throne after his brother King Myeongjong was sent into exile by Choe Chungheon....
(1144-1204, r. 1197-1204), 20th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. It is in poor condition, with only the earthen burial mound and one guardian statue still remaining. Slightly damaged wall murials found in the burial chamber depict 158 dogs, while the ceiling is decorated with constellations including the Big Dipper
Big Dipper
The Plough, also known as the Big Dipper or the Saptarishi , is an asterism of seven stars that has been recognized as a distinct grouping in many cultures from time immemorial...
. As with Anrung, the murals in the tomb are considered an important link to earlier Koguryo tomb art. Yangrung is located on the south face of Kaesong's Namsan in Konam-ri, Kaepung County, next to Anrung. It is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #553
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Hurung
Hurung (후릉/) contains the remains of Emperor KangjongGangjong of Goryeo
Gangjong was the 22nd ruler of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He was the eldest son of King Myeongjong. His mother was Queen Gwangjeong, a Kim, and his wife was Queen Wondeok, a Yu and the daughter of Sin An-hu....
(1152-1213, r. 1211-1213), 22nd monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Almost nothing remains of it. It is located near Hyonhwa-ri in Kaepung County. It is not to be confused with the nearby tomb of the same name
Hurung Royal Tomb
The Hurŭng Royal Tomb is a 15th-century mausoleum located in Ryongjong-ri, Kaepung-gun near Kaesong, North Korea. The site consists of two separate burial mounds, which contain the remains of Jongjong, the second king of the Joseon dynasty and son of its founder Taejo, as well as the body of his...
belonging to King Jongjong
Jeongjong of Joseon
King Jeongjong of Joseon , born Yi Bang-gwa, whose changed name is Yi Gyeong, was the second king of Joseon Dynasty . He was the second son of the founder and first king of the dynasty, King Taejo of Joseon....
of the Choson
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
dynasty.
Sorung Cluster
38°1′22"N 126°32′54"ESorung (소릉/) is the burial place of Emperor Wonjong
Wonjong of Goryeo
Wonjong of Goryeo was the 24th ruler of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He ascended to the throne with the help of Kublai Khan...
(1214-1274, r. 1260-1274), 24th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Wonjong was the last Koguryo monarch to be titled Emperor due to the Mongol invasion. Near to his grave are five tombs known as Sorunggun Tombs #2, 3, 4, and 5, which contain the remains of four unknown relatives. With the exception of Tomb #3, all of the tombs are in good repair. The five graves are located in Sorung Valley in Ryonghung-dong, Kaesong, and are listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #562
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
.
Myongrung Cluster
37°58′53"N 126°29′55"EMyongrung (명릉/) is the burial place of King Chungmok
Chungmok of Goryeo
Chungmok of Goryeo was the 29th king of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He was the eldest son of King Chunghye, and his mother was Princess Deongnyeong. Chungmok bore the title wang, which means "king" but also signified Goryeo's submission to the Yuan Dynasty emperor...
(1337-1348, r. 1344-1348), 29th monarch of the Koryo dynasty. Near to his grave are two tombs known as Myongrunggun Tombs #2 and 3, which contain the remains of two unknown relatives. The tombs are all in fair condition, weathered but intact. The three graves are located in Yonrung-ri in Kaepung County; Myongrung itself is listed as North Korean Cultural Asset #549
Cultural assets of North Korea
Designated cultural assets of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value. They are not, however, considered important enough to merit designation as a national treasure.-No. 1-100:...
, while the Tombs #2 and 3 are listed as Cultural Asset #169.
Hyonjongrung
37°58′55"N 126°28′23"EHyonjongrung (현정릉/), better known as the Tomb of King Kongmin is the burial place of King Kongmin
Gongmin of Goryeo
King Gongmin ruled Goryeo Dynasty Korea from 1351 until 1374.he was the second son of King Chungsuk. In addition to his various Korean names , he bore the Mongolian name Bayàn Temür .-Early life:...
(1330-1374, r. 1351-1374), 31st monarch of the Koryo dynasty, and his wife, the Mongolian princess Noguk. It is the best-preserved of the Koryo dynasty royal tombs, and a popular tourist site. Construction on the tombs began after Queen Noguk's death in 1365, and was completed seven years later in 1372. The tombs consist of a carved granite base topped with a small hill; they are surrounded by statues of sheep and tigers, representing the nations of Korea and Mongolia respectively. The "spirit road" up to the tombs is lined with statues of military officers and Confucian officials. Their placement was an important consideration for the king, and many geomancers, astrologers, and mathematicians were consulted to make sure the site had good feng shui. Unfortunately,the tomb's relics were lost in 1905 when the tomb chamber was blasted opened with dynamite and looted by the Japanese; most of the relics inside were believed to be taken to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, though Kongmin's coffin is exhibited in the Koryo Museum in Kaesong.
The tomb is located in Haeson-ri, Kaepung County, and is listed as North Korean National Treasure #123
National treasures of North Korea
Designated national treasures of North Korea are tangible artifacts, sites, and buildings deemed to have significant historical or artistic value.-No. 1-50:-No. 51-100:-No. 101-150:-No...
.
- Main article: Tomb of King KongminTomb of King KongminThe Tomb of King Kongmin, more correctly known as the Hyonjongrung Royal Tomb, is a 14th-century mausoleum located in Haeson-ri, Kaepung County just outside of the city of Kaesong, North Korea...