Forest trails at 9 Joseon Dynasty royal tombs open for autumn walks

Starting Thursday, the public can stroll along forest trails at nine royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, the Korea Heritage Service announced Wednesday. These UNESCO World Heritage sites, where the Joseon Dynasty, which governed Korea from 1392 to 1910, is buried, will once again be accessible to visitors. The trails, totaling 19.04 kilometers (11.8 miles), will provide a unique opportunity to witness the autumn foliage amidst the historical landmarks.

Much of the woodland surrounding the royal tombs is usually off-limits to the public to preserve the sites. However, this autumn, nine trails will be open for exploration. These trails span the districts of Guri, Namyangju, Seoul, Hwaseong, Paju, and Yeoju, which are all part of Gyeonggi Province, the province that surrounds Seoul.

The longest trail, approximately 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles), connects the Yungneung and Geolleung tombs in Hwaseong. Other notable trails include a 2.7-kilometer (1.7 miles) route at Donggureung, which houses the largest cluster of Joseon royal tombs. Visitors will be able to traverse these paths and immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the Joseon Dynasty royal tombs.