A Mystical Autumn Walk through the Historical Forest Path
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- blog.naver.com

A Journey through Time in a Mystical Forest
Autumn Outing at Paju Samneung and the Joseon Royal Tombs Forest Path
As the cool autumn breeze blows, many of us feel the urge to escape somewhere.
During this time of year, many people wonder where to go for a pleasant autumn walk.
This autumn, I heard about the temporarily opened Joseon Royal Tombs Forest Path and decided to visit Paju Samneung for a serene and leisurely break.
Parking and Admission Fees at Paju Samneung
I used the spacious parking lot located in front of the Samneung ticket office.
Upon hearing that the Joseon Royal Tombs Forest Path had opened, many people came to enjoy a stroll from the morning.
After purchasing a ticket at the entrance, I entered Samneung with a fluttering heart.
Admission Fee:
Adults (Ages 25-64): 1,000 KRW
Local Residents: 500 KRW
As soon as I passed the ticket office and entered Samneung, the noise disappeared, replaced by the rich scent of earth and fresh forest air.
The vibrant autumn foliage added to the seasonal atmosphere.
Before officially walking the forest path, I wanted to know more about Paju Samneung, so I first explored the Paju Samneung History and Culture Center.
Paju Samneung is home to three Joseon royal tombs: Gongneung (Queen Jangsun), Sunneung (Queen Gonghye), and Yeongneung (King Jinjong and Queen Hyosun).
By understanding the background of each tomb before my walk, the path ahead became even more meaningful.
Under the bright autumn sun, many visitors were enjoying the seasonal ambiance along the forest path.
Walking along the path, I found that the entire trail was well-maintained with a gentle slope, making it easy for everyone, regardless of age, to stroll comfortably.
It was impressive to see individuals using wheelchairs or strollers enjoying their leisurely walk without any discomfort.
Near the entrance, there are rental and storage facilities for strollers and wheelchairs, making it convenient for families with children or elderly parents to enjoy the walk.
Following the path, I first headed to Gongneung, the tomb of Queen Jangsun, the first wife of King Yejong.
Since the tomb was constructed while she was still a crown princess, its design resembles that of a crown princess's tomb rather than a royal tomb.
Next, I moved on to Sunneung, the tomb of Queen Gonghye, the first wife of King Seongjong and the sister of Queen Jangsun.
Unlike Queen Jangsun, Queen Gonghye passed away as a queen, making her tomb the only royal tomb among the three.
From a distance, the difference in the number of stone structures was noticeable, allowing me to compare the historical context with the actual tomb layout.
Alongside Sunneung, the special Joseon Royal Tombs Forest Path opens only in spring and autumn.
Since access is restricted for cultural and natural preservation, the untouched forest retains its pristine and mysterious atmosphere.
As I ventured deeper into the woods, the clean air and beautiful bird songs brought a sense of peace.
Walking along the forest path, I soon encountered a dense pine forest.
The autumn sunlight filtering through the leaves and the gentle scent of pine made my steps feel lighter.
As I examined the path closely, I noticed leftover pine cones that squirrels had gnawed on, providing a small joy from nature.
The forest path led to Yeongneung, the tomb of King Jinjong and Queen Hyosun.
Although King Jinjong passed away as a crown prince, he was later elevated to king and then emperor.
However, Yeongneung maintained the original crown prince tomb format, only adding additional markers as his status changed.
As I strolled through the different royal tombs, I gained insights into their unique histories and the individuals associated with them.
Walking along the forest path and the tomb areas allowed me to naturally learn about history while enjoying the warmth and tranquility of autumn.
Paju Samneung and the Joseon Royal Tombs Forest Path are excellent spots for autumn walks!
Why not take a stroll along this special forest path, open only twice a year, and savor the essence of autumn?
This autumn, enjoy a leisurely walk amidst beautiful nature and history at Paju Samneung!

Source :https://blog.naver.com/paju_si/224440439249
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