TOMB OF KING KONGMIN

As a former royal city and capital of different kingdoms, Kaesong and its territory are home to many traditional, princely and royal tombs. The tomb of King Kongmin, dating from the 14Th century, is one of the most visited tombs. The ensemble comprises of two graves, the 31st King of the Koryo dynasty, King Kongmin and his wife, Princess Noguk, of Mongolian descent. Construction began upon the death of the Queen in the years 1360 and lasted about ten years in a place that was chosen by astrologers and mathematicians for her Feng Shui characteristic. Both Kongmin and his wife are buried under a kind of granite Mound which is covered with grass (hyonrung) and whose base is belted with large blocks of stone. They are surrounded by statues of tigers, symbol of nobility, strength and grandeur, as well as statues of sheep for goodness and sweetness. The graves remained intact until 1905, when they were looted by the Japanese soldiers. The King's coffin is the only element still preserved in North Korea, specifically at the Koryo Museum in Kaesong.

The Tomb is classified as a World Heritage site in 2013 by UNESCO.