Seocho-gu to Hold 604th Memorial Rite Honoring King Taejong at Heonneung

Seoul's Seocho-gu said it will hold the "604th Memorial Rite of King Taejong" at Heonneung in Naegok-dong on Monday.

Heonneung is a paired royal tomb where Joseon's third king, Taejong, and his queen consort, Queen Wongyeong, are buried side by side. Designated Historic Site No. 194 in recognition of its historical and cultural significance, it is also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of Korea's most important cultural properties.

Organized by the Heonneung Bonghyanghoe, the annual ceremony is held every June 8 to honor King Taejong's achievements and preserve the tradition of royal ancestral rites. This year's event is expected to draw around 500 attendees, including Heonneung Bonghyanghoe President Lee Jeong-su and other officials, who will gather to commemorate the historical legacy of the Joseon royal court.

The ceremony follows traditional protocol, opening with a procession of officiants dressed in ceremonial robes. It then proceeds through three successive offering rites — the first, second and final offerings — before concluding with a return to the jaesilm, the ritual preparation hall.

Residents wishing to attend may visit the Heonneung venue by 10 a.m. on the day of the event. Cultural heritage sites including Inneung are located nearby, making it an opportunity for families to experience history and traditional culture firsthand. For more information, contact the Seocho-gu Office's Culture and Tourism Division.

Seocho-gu District Mayor Jeon Seong-su said the Heonneung rite is "a meaningful event where people can directly experience the traditional memorial culture of the Joseon royal court and reflect on its value," adding that the district will "continue working to preserve and pass on our precious cultural heritage and traditional culture so that it flows naturally to the next generation."