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Hongneung & Yureung Tombs - 홍릉 유릉 (洪陵·裕陵) (built late 19th early 20th c.)

Hongneung and Yureung are the tombs of Emperor Gojong (1852-1919) and his wife Empress Myeongseong (1851-1895). The tombs are grander in style than his predecessors because in the closing years of the dynasty the King elevated his titled to "Emperor" to put his nation on par with China. Accordingly, the architectural style resembles imperial tombs in China.

Gojong was the 26th ruler of Joseon (Chosôn) and lived at a time of great uncertainty. After China's defeat at the hands of Japan, Korea realized she needed to break her traditional ties to China as a "younger brother nation" and try to exist as a wholly independent nation. However, Korea's efforts were frustrated by ongoing Japanese interference, which culminated in Gojong's forced abdication in 1907 and the formal annexation of Korea as a Japanese colony in 1910.

Gojong died in 1919 and was buried here. His queen, Myeongseong, more commonly known as Queen Min, was murdered by the Japanese in 1895, an event sparking widespread condemnation. She is buried here too in this sprawling compound.

Address: 경기 남양주시 금곡동 141-1.

(Designated Historical Site #207).

Click on any of the red arrows to view that location.
Image adapted from site brochure.