A Study on the Zhaomu System and Cases of Nizang

A significant shift in burial practices during the Joseon Dynasty is revealed, where the once-accepted practice of Nizang (placing descendant graves behind ancestors) became a taboo influenced by Neo-Confucian hierarchy and Feng Shui principles. This study analyzes how the Zhaomu system—rooted in Confucian thought and ritual features—and the search for auspicious locations shaped imperial tomb construction in Ming and Qing dynasties, with parallels observed in Joseon's royal family graves. The research demonstrates that while early Joseon Dynasty embraced Nizang due to its Feng Shui advantages, middle to late periods saw growing antipathy toward it, leading to its prohibition. This finding underscores the dynamic interplay between cultural norms, ritual practices, and environmental considerations in historical burial traditions.

Park, J. (2024). A Study on the Zhaomu System and Cases of Nizang. Barun Academy of History, 18, 83–110. https://doi.org/10.55793/jkhc.2024.18.83