Publications
A Study on the Dongdari and Jeonbok Excavated from Kim I-gyo’s Tomb
A rare discovery of well-preserved dongdari and jeonbok military garments from Kim I-gyo’s tomb (1764–1832) reveals unique textile techniques and color schemes. The artifacts, featuring double-layered construction with distinctive roundel designs of confronting dragons on yeongchodan and twill weave fabrics, challenge existing assumptions about Joseon-era military attire. Analysis of surviving artifacts and pictorial materials confirmed the garments' structural integrity, despite partial deterioration, while historical records and comparisons with later-period examples proposed two possible color schemes: yellow or green for the dongdari’s body (with red cuffs) and purple or dark blue for the jeonbok. The study also identified an integrated garment form combining both elements, providing new insights into Joseon military costume evolution.
Features of Modern-Period Stone Pagodas ; Focusing on Comparison with Stonework at Tombs of Kings and Scholar-Gentry
Modern-period stone pagodas (late 19th to early 20th century) in Korea, often dismissed as Japanese colonial artifacts due to their perceived stylistic divergence and decline in quality, are shown to be deeply rooted in Korea’s indigenous stone tradition. This study challenges the prevailing narrative by demonstrating that these pagodas evolved through interactions with Joseon Dynasty tomb stonework for kings and scholar-gentry—a form that flourished during a period of limited pagoda construction. By comparing specific examples, the research reveals that modern-period pagodas sustain continuity within Korean stone pagoda history, countering earlier prejudices about their authenticity and origin.
Feng Shui Environment of the Hyundai Motor Group Headquarters Site
Hyundai Motor Group's headquarters site exhibits deep-rooted Feng Shui principles, blending orographic hierarchy and landform imagery to create an auspicious environment. The study identifies Mt. Cheonggye as the Taejosan and Mt. Guryong as the Jusan, forming a Samgilseong formation with Ansan Mountain and watercourses. The site's orientation aligns with traditional Yudu-hyeol principles, combining facing mountain and waterflow dynamics. Remedial elements like a round fountain and transparent glass were incorporated to enhance harmony. Notably, the area surrounding Mt. Guryong includes historical sites such as Pungnap and Mongchon Earthen Fortifications from the Baekje Kingdom and Joseon Dynasty royal tombs, including Heonneung and Inneung. The spatial layout reflects Cheon-won-ji-bang cosmology and strict primary-secondary order, demonstrating a seamless integration of traditional Eastern philosophies into modern corporate architecture.
The Desecration and Reburial Process of Seolleung and Jeongleung during the Imjin War
During the Imjin War, royal tombs Seolleung and Jeongleung were desecrated by Japanese forces, posing a severe threat to the legitimacy of the Joseon Dynasty. The study reveals that the Joseon court responded with a strategic reburial process, employing 'byeonrye' (unconventional rituals) to adapt to wartime constraints while preserving royal authority. Despite finding only bone ashes at Seolleung and an unidentified body at Jeongleung, the court meticulously verified the corpse's identity to avoid national humiliation. This process involved diplomatic gestures toward the Ming Dynasty and the execution of perpetrators to restore dignity. The reburial was not merely a restoration but a political act aimed at healing wartime scars and asserting dynastic continuity, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of Joseon royal rituals.
Establishing Criteria and Methods of Visual Impact Assessment for Conservation Management of World Heritage - Focused on Taereung and Gangneung Area, Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty of World Heritage
A new framework for visual impact assessment (VIA) of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, specifically the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, has been established. The study identifies optimal horizontal angles—28° for Taereung and 47° for Gangneung—to assess visual impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) attributes of these tombs. It reveals that high-rise buildings in surrounding areas obstruct views of the mountains, negatively affecting the visual integrity of the heritage site. The research proposes criteria for VIA implementation, addressing a critical gap in domestic conservation practices. By mapping OUV attributes and using 3D simulations, it provides actionable guidelines to mitigate negative visual impacts while preserving the cultural landscape's authenticity.
Utilizing Remote Sensing for the Investigation of North Korean Cultural Heritage: A Case of Unregistered Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty in North Korea
Remote sensing, particularly through Google Earth's high-resolution satellite imagery, proves effective for preliminary surveys of North Korean cultural heritage sites, including the unregistered royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. While detailed structures remain challenging to discern, key elements such as burial mounds and platforms are identifiable, offering a non-invasive method for studying inaccessible sites. The study highlights Google Earth's potential as a cost-effective tool but suggests integrating AI-based methods like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to enhance automated detection capabilities in future research.
Why Jeongjo Made Frequent Visits to Hwaseong
King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty made unusually frequent visits to Hwaseong, his father's tomb, compared to other kings. While most kings visited ancestral tombs once or twice a year, Jeongjo made three visits annually during his 24-year reign, totaling 66 visits—half of which were to Hwaseong. After the relocation of his father’s tomb to Mt. Hwasan in 1789, he consistently visited in the first or second month of each year with officials to pay respects. This pattern suggests a unique personal and political significance attached to these visits during Jeongjo's reign.
A Study on Civil Protection of King GabonTaesil in the Late Joseon Dynasty : Focusing on the Placenta Chamber of King Sukjong and the documents of Taebong-dong, Gongju
A novel discovery reveals that the village of Taebong-dong, Gongju, played an active and autonomous role in protecting King Sukjong's placenta chamber (Taesil) during the late Joseon Dynasty, contrary to historical assumptions. Unlike royal tombs managed by central authorities, this local Taesil was entrusted to villagers, who developed a unique tradition of protection that persisted even after its relocation in the colonial era. Documents from Taebong-dong show that residents sublimated their duties into communal rituals, including building a mountain shrine on Taepongsan Mountain around 1930, which they maintained until the 1960s. This study challenges the traditional royal-centered narrative by highlighting the village's agency in preserving Taesil, suggesting that such cases should be recognized as part of UNESCO World Heritage Site values to uncover sustainable cultural significance.
A Study on the Landscape Feng Shui of Joseon Royal Tombs - Focusing on the Sasinsa Temple of Donggureung
Research confirms that the royal tombs of Donggureung, part of the Joseon Dynasty's Royal Tombs, exhibit exceptional feng shui qualities according to HyungGuk Theory. The study analyzed 4SinSa (four cardinal directions), BaeSanImSu (back-to-mountain-and-facing-water landscape), and YongMaeg (dragon vein) principles, revealing that these tombs are strategically positioned relative to DongGuLeung and Geon-WonLeung, with water from the WangSuk River and Hyeong-Guk River merging into the Hankang River in a manner invisible from the field of vision. The main mountains, Cheongryongsan and Baekhosan, along with the NaeDangSu rivers, create a typical feng shui landscape that aligns with traditional geomancy principles. This study provides insights into the deliberate application of feng shui in royal burial practices during the Joseon Dynasty.
Study on the Evolution of the Characteristics of Joseon Dynasty Temples as Seen through the Suseo-dong Ruins
Archaeological excavations at the Suseo-dong ruins reveal that Joseon Dynasty temples underwent significant evolutionary changes, transitioning from royal-supported Buddhist sites to Confucian-influenced tomb management facilities. High-quality porcelain and dragon-patterned tiles indicate their initial association with royal or elite structures, while lotus and Sanskrit-marked tiles suggest later temple affiliations. The site's transformation—from a private family temple (Bunam) in the 15th century to a tomb management temple (Jopo)—mirrors broader political shifts during the Joseon Dynasty, including the decline of Buddhism under Confucian rule and the Imjin War's impact on royal tombs. Despite initial prominence, economic neglect led to the eventual closure of Bongheon Temple by 1872.
scussion on the Provision of Meat Ritual Food at Royal Tombs and the Royal Ritual for Delivering Incense by the King Himself in the Late Joseon Dynasty
A study of the late Joseon Dynasty reveals that while Confucian rituals advocated for meat offerings in royal tomb ceremonies, the tradition of providing vegetarian meals (soseon) persisted due to practical constraints and increased resources. Additionally, the ritual of the king delivering incense directly to tombs was reinstated during King Yeongjo's reign as a symbolic act of filial piety when direct visits were impractical. This research highlights how the Joseon Dynasty balanced Confucian ideals with practical adaptations, creating a unique cultural synthesis that endured despite changing norms.
A Study on the Definition of Panok in the Records of the Joseon Dynasty - Based on the Records Related to DB Pan-ock in Institute for the Translation of Korean Classics -
A comprehensive redefinition of the term 'pan-ock' emerges from analyzing 183 historical records, revealing its dual significance: as architectural structures—including residences, religious sites, royal tombs, and prisons—and as shipboard housing combining work and living spaces. The study challenges conventional interpretations by demonstrating that pan-ock could also refer to plank-based construction for walls or roofs, or both, depending on context. This broader definition is critical for accurately interpreting Joseon Dynasty records, particularly those related to military installations, literary works, and bureaucratic documentation. By classifying instances from the Korean Classics DB, researchers provide a nuanced framework that bridges gaps in existing dictionaries, offering deeper insights into the architectural and cultural practices of the era.
Feng Shui Landscape Management of the Capital Hanseong and the Journey of Feng Shui Discourse during the Joseon Dynasty Period
Feng Shui played a pivotal role in the landscape management of Hanseong, the capital of the Joseon Dynasty, shaping its spatial arrangement and serving as a foundational academic discipline. During the early Joseon period, Feng Shui was integral to governance, even influencing bureaucratic recruitment through the Gwageo system, and was used as a theoretical framework for post-war restoration after the Imjin War. However, by the late Joseon Dynasty, its influence waned significantly due to criticism from Confucian scholars and officials, particularly during the reigns of Kings Yeongjo and Jeongjo. The study traces this shift, revealing how Feng Shui's significance diminished to primarily guide royal tomb relocations while evolving into a distinct geographical concept separate from traditional practices.
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.
Government officials for royal tomb management system in the Joseon Dynasty
A study reveals that the Joseon Dynasty's royal tomb management system, initially staffed with low-ranking officials (able officials), underwent significant evolution from 1368 to 1785. Initially comprising two able officials per tomb, the system expanded and diversified due to administrative reforms, leading to a hierarchy of ranks from the 5th to the 9th grade. By 1746, the system managed 40 tombs with 80 positions, including roles like 'yeong' (leader), 'jikjang' (directors), and 'chambong' (assistants). This shift marked a centralization of lower-ranking officials in tomb management, reflecting broader administrative changes during the dynasty. The research sheds light on how bureaucratic adjustments influenced the governance of royal tombs, providing insights into the Joseon Dynasty's institutional development.
The Construction and Significance of the Royal family Tomb of the North of the City Wall in the late Joseon Dynasty
A notable concentration of royal tombs, mausoleums, and burial sites (能·原·墓) was identified in the Seongbuk region north of Seoul's city wall during the late Joseon Dynasty. Unlike earlier periods, this area saw significant construction from the 18th century onward, with a focus on tombs for royal descendants and consorts. Key findings include the clustering of tombs linked to specific royal lineages, such as those of Sunjo (son of Sunjo) and later kings, including the tombs of Queen Wonbin, a consort of Jeongjo, which was uniquely constructed within Hanseong (Seoul). This pattern deviates from the traditional 40km radius rule for royal tombs outside the capital. The study traces the evolution of burial practices in this region, highlighting how political and familial dynamics influenced their construction and significance during the late Joseon period.
Analysis and Evaluation on the Surrounding Urban Environment of The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty for Maintenance and Local Utilization : focusing on The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty located in Gyeonggi Province
A comprehensive analysis of the spatial and geographical characteristics of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (40 tombs) located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, reveals critical insights for their efficient management and local utilization. The study identifies key urban environmental factors influencing these historical sites, which serve as significant regional assets reflecting past landscapes and topography. By integrating GIS technology and Space Syntax analysis, researchers quantitatively assessed the tombs' locational attributes, providing actionable recommendations for regulatory frameworks and sustainable preservation strategies. This approach offers a data-driven foundation for balancing heritage conservation with community engagement in Gyeonggi Province.
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