Why Korean Ancestors Were Buried on Hills: The Feng Shui of Graves

Have you ever noticed that many traditional Korean graves are found on the slopes of serene hillsides, often overlooking valleys or streams? This is not a coincidence—it’s the result of ancient geomantic wisdom, deeply intertwined with Korean culture, spirituality, and Confucian values.

 

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating reasons why Korean ancestors were buried on hills, how Feng Shui (Pungsu-jiri) played a critical role in site selection, and what this reveals about Korean beliefs about life, death, and the universe.

 

 

What Is Pungsu-jiri (풍수지리)? Korea’s Version of Feng Shui

 

Before we climb the hill, let’s understand the guiding philosophy behind these burial sites: Pungsu-jiri (風水地理)—the Korean adaptation of Feng Shui.

 

• "Pung" (風) = wind
• "Su" (水) = water
• "Jiri" (地理) = geography

 

Together, it means “the study of wind and water in relation to land.” It’s a spiritual and environmental science that seeks to harmonize human life with nature, determining the most auspicious locations for homes, graves, and temples.

 

In Korea, Pungsu-jiri became especially significant in selecting burial sites, because it was believed that a well-chosen grave could bring prosperity and fortune to descendants.

 

“A grave in harmony with nature blesses future generations.”

 

 

 

Why Hills? The Symbolism and Practicality

 

Burying the dead on hills wasn’t just symbolic—it was deeply practical and spiritual.

Here’s why hills were favored:

 

1. Protection by Nature (산은 등지고 물은 안는다)

Traditional Korean graves often followed this principle:

“Back to the mountain, facing water.”

• The hill behind the grave offers protection—like a parent supporting a child.
• The open view or water in front symbolizes clarity, abundance, and life energy.

This configuration is believed to allow positive energy (기, gi) to accumulate and flow beneficially through the family line.

 

2. Higher Elevation, Closer to Heaven

Hills and mountains are considered closer to the heavens, symbolizing a spiritual ascent.

 

• Being buried on a hill means your spirit is elevated, respected, and remembered.
• It connects the earthly body with celestial energy, helping the soul transition peacefully.

 

3. Drainage and Preservation

From a practical perspective, hills provide better drainage than flatlands:

 

• Graves are less likely to be flooded during rain.
• The natural slope helps preserve the burial site over time.
• Hills are less developed, offering quiet and longevity for ancestral resting places.

 

 

The Five Elements and Grave Location

In Pungsu-jiri, grave sites are evaluated based on the Five Elements (오행: wood, fire, earth, metal, water) and cardinal directions.

 

A good site would:

 

• Be facing south (yang energy, warmth, brightness)
• Have gentle slopes, not too steep or rocky
• Feature natural formations resembling animals (like tigers, dragons, turtles)
• Be surrounded by trees or natural “arms” that embrace the site
•  

Each of these elements was believed to influence the fate of descendants, from health to success in careers or marriage.

 

“Where your ancestor rests, your future is shaped.”

 

 

 

Confucianism and Ancestor Worship

 

In Korean Confucianism, the relationship between the living and the dead is sacred.

 

• Filial piety (효, hyo) demands that children honor their parents even after death.
• Ancestral rites (제사) are performed regularly, often at the grave site during special holidays like Chuseok (추석) or Hansik (한식).
• A well-maintained grave is a sign of family virtue and devotion.

 

Therefore, choosing a noble, peaceful, and balanced resting place wasn’t just tradition—it was a moral duty.

 

 

 

Royal Tombs and Pungsu: A National Priority

The influence of Pungsu was so strong that it shaped entire dynasties.

Take, for example, the Joseon royal tombs (조선왕릉), now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

 

• Each tomb was selected by royal geomancers after careful analysis of topography, water flow, and cosmic alignment.
• Hills were modified, trees planted, and energy flows calculated for maximum benefit.
• These tombs were seen as a source of national stability and prosperity.
•  

Even in modern Korea, many believe that bad luck or misfortune in a family may be related to a poorly chosen or neglected ancestral grave.

 

 

 

Visiting a Traditional Grave: What You’ll See

If you ever visit a traditional Korean grave, especially on a hillside, here’s what you might observe:

 

ElementDescription

 

Mound (묘)	A round, grass-covered earth mound
Stone altar (제단)	Used for food offerings and ancestral rites
Spirit tablet (혼백)	Symbolic representation of the deceased’s soul
Surrounding wall (석축)	Protects the site, often symbolic of a sacred boundary
Pathways or steps	Allow respectful access without stepping on sacred ground

 

 

Most importantly, the grave is oriented with precision, often facing south or southeast for optimal energy flow.

 

 

 

Modern Shifts: Urbanization and New Customs

 

As Korea has urbanized, many families can no longer maintain ancestral graves on hills. Instead, we see:

 

• Public cemeteries, often still designed with Pungsu principles
• Cremation and columbaria, especially in cities
• Virtual memorials, with online ancestral rites

 

Still, the traditional values remain. During Chuseok, millions return to their hometowns to visit and clean the ancestral grave—a practice called 성묘 (Seongmyo).

 

Even younger generations, though less religious, maintain a deep emotional connection to their roots, land, and family lineage.

 

 

 

The Spiritual Legacy of Hilltop Burials

 

Hilltop burials are more than aesthetic—they reflect Korea’s timeless bond between nature, spirit, and family. These peaceful graves whisper a philosophy:

 

• That death is not the end, but part of the natural flow
• That respect continues even after life
• That harmony with nature brings peace to the living and the dead

 

“A good grave honors the past, blesses the present, and protects the future.”

 

 

 

A Culture Rooted in the Earth

From the outside, a quiet grave on a Korean hillside may seem like a relic of the past. But to many Koreans, it’s a living symbol of love, respect, and harmony.

 

It teaches us:

 

• To live in tune with the land
• To remember those who came before us
• And to walk forward, carrying their blessings

 

So next time you gaze upon a peaceful Korean hillside, know that it’s more than landscape—it’s legacy.