The government will restore royal tombs from the Joseon Dynasty that are located in Seokgwan-dong in northeastern Seoul.

The Cultural Heritage Administration said it began the project Sunday to restore the damaged tombs of King Gyeongjong and his wife Queen Sunui based on ancient geographical documents and historical research.

In line with UNESCO’s recommendation for the repair of damaged Joseon Dynasty tombs, the restoration will be completed by the end of 2012.

UNESCO made the recommendation when it added 40 royal tombs from the Joseon Dynasty to its World Heritage list a year ago.

Built in 1724, the tombs were damaged in the 1960s when government agency buildings were erected in the vicinity.