World Heritage Festival of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

The [World Heritage Joseon Royal Tombs Festival] is a special cultural event designed to showcase the history and grandeur of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Joseon Royal Tombs and to allow visitors to experience the tombs up close. Through a diverse array of programs—including performances, tours, hands-on activities, and exhibitions—that bridge tradition and modernity, visitors can encounter the living history and culture preserved within the Joseon Royal Tombs. Launched in 2020 and now in its 7th year, the [2026 World Heritage Joseon Royal Tombs Festival] will run from the opening ceremony on Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 25. This year, in particular, the festival will feature newly designed programs based on the unique stories and historical significance of each royal tomb. Visitors will have a special opportunity to explore the sites while following the stories of the royal tombs, experience a variety of content, and engage all five senses to appreciate the historical value and beauty of the Joseon Royal Tombs.

1. Main Events - Opening Ceremony (Oct. 16 (Fri.) / Yonggungsung) - Performance Programs: Royal Tomb Musical “Thinking of the Peach Blossoms Makes Me Sad” @ Yonggeunneung, Royal Stage, Royal Tomb Humanities Academy, Stories of the Royal Tombs Told by the Tomb Keeper, Original Pansori “Bogoji-go, Bogoji-go” - Tour Programs: “The Dream of the Royal Tomb Keeper,” “Joseon’s Great Detective: The Royal Tomb Chronicles,” Special Access to the Royal Tomb Chamber—An In-Depth Encounter with the Royal Tombs - Hands-On Programs: Royal Tomb Culture Lounge, Royal Tomb Book Fair, Joseon Royal Tomb Ancestral Rite Experience - Exhibition Programs: Royal Tomb Sound Gallery “Sounds of Nature, Echoes of the Ancestral Rite,” Royal Tomb Ancestral Rite Exhibition Hall, The King’s Garden - Academic Programs: Yongju Temple Academic Seminar “Joseon Royal Tombs and Temple Compounds” 2. Pre-Event Programs - Royal Tombs Sound Gallery “Sounds of Nature, Echoes of the Ancestral Rite”: September 30 (Wed) – October 25 (Sun) - Joseon Royal Tombs Mobile Stamp Tour: September 26 (Sat) – October 25 (Sun)