Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ROYAL TOMBS OF THE JOSEON DYNASTY
The 40-odd
royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty
(
http://whc.Unesco.org/en/list/1319
) are World Heritage lis-
ted and scattered across Seoul and Gyeonggi-do with a couple also in the North Korean city of Kaesong. In
these tombs, each similarly arranged on hillsides according to the rules of Confucianism and feng shui, are bur-
ied every Joseon ruler right up to the last, Emperor Sunjong (r 1907-10). Tomb entrances are marked by a
simple red-painted wooden gate, stone pathway and hall for conducting rites in front of the humped burial
mounds decorated with stone statuary - typically a pair of civil officers and generals, plus horses and protecting
animals such as tigers and rams.
The most central tomb in Seoul is
Seonjeongneung
. However, the largest and most attractive complex is
Guri, around 20km northeast of central Seoul. Here lie seven kings and 10 queens, including the dynasty's
founder King Taejo: in contrast to the other neatly clipped plots in this leafy park, his mound sprouts rushes
from his hometown of Hamhung (now in North Korea) that - in accordance with the king's pre-death instruc-
tions - have never been cut. To reach the complex take subway Line 2 to Gangbyeon to connect with bus 1, 1-1
or 1115-6, around a two-hour trip from central Seoul.
SEOUL LAND
(
www.seoulland.co.kr
;
Seoul Grand Park, Gwacheon; day pass adult/child ₩31,000/24,000; 9.30am-10pm sum-
mer, to 6pm winter; Line 4 to Seoul Grand Park, Exit 2)
Keep the children happy all day at this fam-
ily amusement park with five themed areas, special shows and the main attraction: thrill
rides and roller coasters that spin you like a top or drop you like a stone. Everland and
Lotte World are better overall, but small kids will still be very happy here.
AMUSEMENT PARK
DIGITAL PLAYGROUND
SAMSUNG D'LIGHT
one of which is devoted to selling the latest lines of gadgets, this showroom showcases the
technology of the Korean electronics giant Samsung, whose headquarters are in the same
building. Whether you're a techno geek or not, it's fun to play around with the various di-
gital gizmos: watch as a video wall is lit up with a patchwork of your face, or have your
photo imposed on a digital scroll which you can then email to yourself or loved ones.
PORORO PARK
AMUSEMENT PARK
10.30am-8.30pm Mon-Fri,
Line 1 or 2 to Sindorim, Exit 2)
The bespectacled penguin Pororo and his
10.30am-10pm Sat & Sun;
