Korea’s vibrant cultural legacy, comprising music, art, literature, dance, architecture, clothing, and cuisine, offers a delightful combination of tradition and modernity. South Korea preserves a wealth of priceless cultural heritage, the majority of which have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List to be protected for future generations.
Stone Warrior, the Guardian of the Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty feature one or more semispherical mounds protected with curbstones set around the base and elaborately carved stone railings and stone animals such as a lamb and a tiger, in particular, both of which represent meekness and ferocity. In the front area is a rectangular stone table that was used to offer sacrifices to the spirits of the royalty buried there. On both sides of the table stand tall octagonal stone pillars, which can be seen in the distance. In addition, stone lanterns are located in front of the stone animals. One or more pairs of stone guardians (civil and military officials) stand on both sides of each stone lantern, with their horses being behind them. The mound is further protected by a low wall standing at the back and on both sides.