UNSRC Korean Cultural Society

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced Wednesday a W490 billion project to preserve and manage 40 Chosun-era royal tombs which were collectively registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in June (US$1=W1,179). During the registration process UNESCO recommended that Korea draw up measures to preserve the tomb areas in their original states and to protect the buffer zones.

Starting next year some damaged tombs will be restored and facilities installed to prevent fire and robbery. Management guidelines will be worked out with provincial governments to maintain the buffer zones surrounding the tombs, which are facing relentless development pressure.

Yureung, the royal tomb of the Chosun Dynasty’s 27th monarch King Sunjong and his queens, in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province /Courtesy of Cultural Heritage Administration

Visitor information centers and souvenir shops will be built at 16 of the royal tomb sites to attract tourists. Routes for theme-based tours linking the royal tombs with neighboring tourist attractions will also be developed, and guide books will be distributed to help visitors enjoy more informed tours.

An exhibition hall dedicated to the Chosun royal tombs will open in December near the Taegangneung area in Seoul, providing visitors a better understanding of Chosun-era state funeral rites and the architecture and construction of the tombs.