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Royal Tombs of the Joseon dynasty

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Structure of the tombs

The royal tombs can be divided into three main sections:

Area around Jeongjagak

It is the meeting point between the dead and the living. The area around Hongsalmun gate is the space for the living.

Area just past the gate

This is the space between the earthly and the holy. This is the area where the spirits of the kings and queens meet their earthly worshippers. This area also contains the Jeongjagak shrine, the Subokbang, and the Suragan buildings.

The sacred ground of the grave mounds

This area also includes the wall and the other stone structures.

Other structures

Other structures include:

  1. Gokjang – these are the five sides of walls around the grave mound that protects the sacred area.
  2. Seokho – the tiger deity which serves as the guardian of the Bongbun.
  3. Seogyang – a sheep statue which fends off the evil spirits from earth and prays for the souls of the departed.
  4. Mangjuseok – this is a pair of stone pillars erected on both sides of the mound.
  5. Bongbun – this is where the body of the king or queen lies. It is also called Neungchim or Neungsang.
  6. Nanganseok – it is the hedge-like stone which protects the Byeongpungseok.
  7. Honyuseok – a rectangular stone erected in front of the mound which is believed to invite the soul to come out and play.
  8. Muninseok – statues of scholars placed on the left and right sides of the Jangmyeongdeung lantern.
  9. Jangmyeongdeung – a lantern which comforts and prays blessing over the soul.
  10. Seongma – a horse statue.
  11. Muinseok – statue of a soldier said to be guarding the king and is placed below the Muninseok.
  12. Yegam – it is located on the left-side corner behind the Jeongjagak and is used for burning the written prayers after a burial service.
  13. Bigak – a building which has a stone monument where the names of the king and the queen are written at the front, while at the back was written the list of the king's accomplishments.
  14. Jeongjagak – this is where memorial services are held; it refers to a pavilion that is shaped like the hanja character 丁(Jeong; 정) when viewed from above.
  15. Chamdo – these are two stone-covered paths that lead to the Jeongjagak. The higher path is called Sindo (The Path of the Gods), while the lower path is called Eodo (The Path of the King). Only the Eodo path can be used by visitors under Korean customs.
  16. Suragan – this is where the food for the memorial services is brought and prepared.
  17. Subokbang – this is the living quarter of the officer guarding the tomb.
  18. Baewi – this is where the king and memorial service officials knelt in honor of the deceased king. It is also called Panwi or Eobaeseok.
  19. Hongsalmun – this is the gate with two red cylindrical pillars.
  20. Byeongpungseok – it is the stone which was placed underneath and around to protect the Bongbun.

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