The History Center at Jangneung Royal Tomb in Gimpo Reopens after Refurbishment

- To be revealed to the public on June 27 with specially revamped experiential exhibitions -

Located in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do Province, Jangneung Royal Tomb contains the tombs of the parents of King Injo (r. 1623–1649), who were posthumously honored as King Wonjong (1580–1619) and Queen Inheon (1578–1626) of the Ku clan. After King Injo ascended the throne following a coup, he posthumously honored his parents in an effort to legitimize his succession to the throne. He also promoted their tombs to royal status and renamed them Jangneung.

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center (Director General: Jung, SungJo) of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) has completely reorganized the exhibitions at the History Center at Jangneung Royal Tomb in Gimpo that first opened in 2016. It will reopen the center to the public on June 27.

The exhibitions explore the lives of King Wonjong and Queen Inheon, the occupants of Jangneung Royal Tomb; the changes in and spatial characteristics of Jangneung; and stories of the people who cared for Jangneung. It also provides video clips featuring Jangneung Royal Tomb, which served as a center for Gimpo, and glimpses into the lives of Gimpo citizens.

The exhibitions also focus on the stories of the people who cared for royal tombs. As sacred spaces for memorial rites, royal tombs and their neighboring forests were strictly maintained. Visitors can learn about the lives of these tomb managers, who included officials and soldiers, with the guidance of newly developed characters at kiosks. Moreover, the exhibitions allow visitors to examine in detail the world heritage value of the forty royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (including Jangneung), which have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, along with the history and characteristics of each one.

It is hoped that the diverse audiovisual materials, models for hands-on experiences, and friendly and adorable characters at the revamped History Center of Jangneung Royal Tomb in Gimpo will help visitors to learn about the heritage value of the Joseon royal tombs.