Uireung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (서울 의릉(경종, 선의왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

Uireung is the royal tomb of King Gyeongjong (reign 1720-1724), the 20th ruler of the Joseon dynasty, and his second wife, Queen Seonui. King Gyeongjong was the first son of King Sukjong and Janghuibin, who was one of King Sukjong’s concubines. King Gyeongjong, who was born weak and anemic, died four years after becoming the king, without any great political achievements. Uireung tombs differ from the other royal double tombs in that they are not placed side-by-side. Instead, according to geomantic theory, one tomb has been placed directly behind the other one. The arrangement also shows that when making tombs, Korean ancestors did their best to protect the natural environment. Another feature of Uireung Royal Tomb is the stone fence raised using twelve stone posts. Each post has a letter inscribed, representing one of the twelve sibijisin gods.