Nine scenic forest trails winding through the historic Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will welcome visitors for autumn walks starting Wednesday and continuing through November 30. The Korea Heritage Service announced this seasonal opening on Monday, providing nature enthusiasts and history lovers with a unique opportunity to explore these UNESCO World Heritage sites during the peak fall foliage season.

The Korea Heritage Service's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center has been operating this popular program since 2019, opening the carefully maintained trails twice a year during spring and fall seasons. The center has invested significant effort in continuously maintaining and improving these pathways to ensure visitor safety while allowing people to experience and reflect on the cultural and historical significance of the Joseon Royal Tombs, which span the dynasty's reign from 1392 to 1897.

This autumn season will feature an impressive total of 19.59 kilometers of accessible trails spread across nine different royal tomb sites throughout the Seoul metropolitan area and Gyeonggi Province. Among the featured locations, visitors can explore the Hwireung-Wolleung and Gyeongneung-Nature Learning Forest Trail at the East Nine Royal Tombs in Guri, Gyeonggi Province. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy the Bokjagi Tree Forest Trail at Gwangneung Royal Tomb in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, as well as the serene Pine Tree Path Behind the Burial Site at Sareung Royal Tomb, also located in Namyangju.

Additional trail options include the Taereung-Gangneung Trail conveniently located in Seoul, offering urban residents easy access to this historical walking experience. The Cheonjangsan-Restored Historical Forest Trail at Uireung Royal Tomb in Seoul provides another metropolitan option, while the North Trail Behind the Burial Site at Jangneung Royal Tomb in Paju offers a more remote experience. The program also encompasses trails at Yungneung and Geolleung Royal Tombs in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, the Three Royal Tombs in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, and the outer forest trail at Yeongneung Royal Tomb in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province.

The forest trails will operate during each tomb site's regular visiting hours, with schedules adjusted seasonally for optimal visitor experience. Throughout October, all trails will be accessible from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while November hours will be slightly shortened to 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to accommodate earlier sunset times. All participating sites will remain closed on Mondays for maintenance and conservation purposes.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy these forest paths completely free of charge, making this an accessible cultural and recreational opportunity for families, students, and individuals interested in Korean history and natural beauty. However, organizers note that operating hours may be subject to adjustment depending on weather conditions and other local circumstances to ensure visitor safety and trail preservation.