Coex Mall, Bongeunsa, and Seonjeongneung in Seoul

Coex Mall is a huge, modern underground mall with an “Instagrammable” public library and lots of dining and shopping options. Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple located near Coex. It was founded in 794 CE. The Seonjeongneung is the burial ground of two Joseon Dynasty kings and one Joseon queen.

Coex: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Bongeunsa: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Seonjeongneung: Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

One of the Coex Mall entrances.

This public library is in the center of the Coex Mall.

Books that are inaccessible by hand are merely decorative.

Buildings just outside Coex Mall.

Bongeunsa Temple is just a short walk from Coex Mall. Founded in 794 during the Silla period, it was originally named Gyeonseongsa.

After the temple, I took a bus to Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs, the burial ground of two Joseon Dynasty kings and one Joseon queen.

This is the burial ground of King Jungjong, the 11th king of Joseon (1506–1544). He was a son of Seongjong.

Walking toward other tombs.

Queen Jeonghyeon outlived her husband by 35 years and was buried in a splendid tomb to the east of her husband King Seongjong.

King Seongjong’s burial site (r. 1469–1494), the ninth king of the Joseon dynasty.