Queen’s Tombs Made Earlier than King’s and Changes of the Royal Tomb System in the Joseon Dynasty

Research on the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty reveals that the construction sequence of queen consorts' tombs, often completed before their respective kings', was driven by political expediency (quandao) rather than strict adherence to tradition. This shift in funerary practices, marked by changes in stone figure arrangements around the tombs, demonstrates how rulers adapted rituals to navigate practical challenges while maintaining the facade of tradition. The study highlights that when queens died before their kings, funerary procedures prioritized marital fidelity over filial piety, reflecting a nuanced interpretation of Confucian values. By analyzing these deviations from established norms, the research underscores the role of political philosophy—particularly the concepts of quandao and changjing—in shaping even seemingly conservative structures like royal tombs.

Kim, Y. (2022). Queen’s Tombs Made Earlier than King’s and Changes of the Royal Tomb System in the Joseon Dynasty. Korean Journal of Art History, 314, 67–96. https://doi.org/10.31065/kjah.314.202206.003