Exploring the Legacy of Queen Jeongsun at Sarung
In February of this year, the film "The King and the Man" was released,
breaking the 15 million viewer mark,
and sparking a wave of interest in King Danjong, the 6th king of Joseon.
Many people are visiting Yeongwol Cheongnyeongpo and Jangneung,
the places associated with Danjong's exile.
Did you know that you can also experience the story of Danjong in Gyeonggi-do?
The tomb of Queen Jeongsun, who was left behind by Danjong, is located in Namyangju.
Recently, this site has seen a surge in visitors, matching the popularity of Yeongwol.
Queen Jeongsun's tomb, Sarung, carries a poignant meaning, reflecting her lifelong devotion to Danjong.
She was crowned queen at the age of 15 in 1454,
but in 1457, when Danjong was demoted to Noblesse Nosan,
she too was reduced to a commoner and lived in Jeong-eobwon outside Dongdaemun.
After being exiled from the palace, the former queen relied on dyeing and sewing for her livelihood,
refusing help from Sejo or the royal family and sustaining herself until the age of 82.
She spent a remarkable 64 years longing for Danjong, who had gone to Yeongwol.
Before visiting Sarung, it is recommended to stop by the Historical and Cultural Center.
It provides insights into Queen Jeongsun's life and explains how the Haeju Jeong family graves coexist in the vicinity.
Notably, there are also exhibits related to Jangneung in Yeongwol.
After passing through the Hongsalmun gate and beyond the Jeongjagak pavilion,
the tomb mound is situated on a gentle hill.
The tomb lacks the usual stone screens and railings,
and only one pair of stone guardians is placed, giving it a simpler appearance compared to typical royal tombs.
In 1698, 177 years later, she was restored to her rightful place alongside Danjong,
and a stone tablet inscribed with 'The Tomb of Queen Jeongsun of Joseon' was erected.
The 40 royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty, including Sarung,
were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2009.
They were praised for preserving the burial culture and spatial organization of the 500-year dynasty.
Among them, Sarung is remembered more for its story than its scale or grandeur.
The pine forest path at Sarung is lush,
making it a pleasant spot for a stroll amidst the city.
The twisted pines reflect the resilient life of Queen Jeongsun.
One pine tree that grew at Sarung has been transplanted near Jangneung,
known as 'Jeongnyeongsong'. If you visit Jangneung, be sure to look for this tree.
The pine forest path behind the tomb is temporarily opened twice a year.
Walking through the 600m pine grove, breathing in the phytoncides,
you can fully experience the serene and unique charm of Sarung.
For those hesitant about the distance to Yeongwol,
consider visiting Namyangju Sarung to continue the cinematic experience.
Location: 107 Saneung-ri, Jingun-eup, Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do
Admission Fee: 1,000 KRW for adults (ages 25-64), free for ages 24 and under and 65 and over
Operating Hours: 09:00 - 18:00
Closed: Every Monday
Parking: Free parking available
Cultural Interpretation Times: 10:30, 13:30, 15:00
Sarung Forest Path Opening: [First Half] May 16 - May 31 / June 1 - June 30 [Second Half] October 1 - October 31 / November 1 - November 30
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224235960925
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