Seoul Searching | Royal Tombs of Joseon Dynasty (Seolleung and Jeongneung).

Like most travelers, one of my travel goals is to visit as many UNESCO World Heritage sites as possible. I've been to two locations here in the Philippines - the Baroque Churches and Vigan City, and two in South Korea - Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine.

On our last Seoul Searching trip, I was able to tick another one off my list after having visited the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
- another UNESCO World Heritage Site off the bucket list!

A collection of 40 tombs scattered over 18 locations across South Korea, the Royal Tombs are magnificent and perfectly preserved graves entombed with kings and queens, as well as monarchs that were posthumously granted the title of king or queen, of the Joseon Dynasty. These tombs were built over five centuries ago - from 1408 to 1966 - and were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

More of the Royal Tombs after the jump!

Seoul Searching | Jongmyo Shrine.

Filial piety, they say, is one of the most important virtues and possibly the greatest heritage of South Korea. It means the attitude of obedience, care, and devotion towards one's parents and ancestors, and this virtue is clearly manifested in Jongmyo Shrine, the oldest and most authentic Confucian royal shrine to have been preserved.

The UNESCO World Heritage marker located near the main road.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jongmyo is known as the supreme state shrine as it houses the 'spirit tablets' of the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. The shrine has existed in its present form since the 16th century, conserving not only its physical form but also the traditional ritual practices of paying tribute to their ancestors and honoring the dead.

The path leading to the gate of Jongmyo Shrine.

More of Jongmyo Shrine after the jump!

Seoul Searching | Changdeokgung Palace.

Holidays in South Korea are usually very festive, as most tourist attractions come up with fun and interesting events to celebrate the occasion, or offer special discounts for both tourists and locals alike, If you're lucky, you might come across 'Free Admission' promos, such as the one that the four traditional palaces offered during the long weekend (May 5-8).

I wouldn't pass up on this great opportunity, so Yue and I trooped to Changdeokgung Palace last Saturday - along with about a thousand or more eager beavers (ergo, tourists).

If you see this sign, then you have walked to the right place.

One of the most well-preserved traditional palaces in the country, Changdeokgung Palace was built in 1405 by King Taejong, the third ruler of Joseon. (He's also known as Yi Bang Won, the character portrayed by Yoo Ah In in the sageuk 'Six Flying Dragons'.)

Changdeokgung Palace: an introduction.

Like the other palaces in Seoul, Changdeokgung Palace was also burnt down during the Japanese invasion in 1592. It was rebuilt about 18 years later, and since then, it has become the primary palace until the late 1800s. In 1997, it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Korea, together with the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.

Free Admission Day!
Secret Garden not included, though.

Behold the beauty of Changdeokgung Palace! More photos after the jump!