Royal Tombs of The Joseon Dynasty - Other Important Structures of The Tombs

Other Important Structures of The Tombs

  • Gokjang These are the three sides of walls around the grave mound that protects the sacred area.
  • Bongbun This is where the body of the king or queen lies. It is also called Neungchim or Neungsang.
  • Byeongpungseok It is the stone which was placed underneath and around to protect the Bongbun.
  • Nanganseok It is the hedge-like stone which protects the Byeongpungseok.
  • Seokho The tiger deity which serves as the guardian of the Bongbun.
  • Seogyang A sheep statue which fends off the evil spirits from earth and prays for the souls of the departed.
  • Mangjuseok This is a pair of stone pillars erected on both sides of the mound.
  • Honnyuseok A rectangular stone erected in front of the mound which is believed to invite the soul to come out and play.
  • Jangmyeongdeung A lantern which comforts and prays blessing over the soul.
  • Muninseok Statues of scholars placed on the left and right sides of the Jangmyeongdeung lantern.
  • Muinseok Statue of a soldier said to be guarding the king and is placed below the Muninseok.
  • Seongma A horse statue.
  • Yegam It is located on the left-side corner behind the Jeongjagak and is used for burning the wrtten prayes after a burial service.
  • 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.
  • Jeongjagak This is where memorial services are held.
  • Chamdo These are two stone-covered paths that leads 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 in accordance to Korean custom.
  • Subokbang This is the living quarter of the officer guarding the tomb.
  • Suragan This is where the food for the memorial services are brought and prepared.
  • Baewi This is where the king and memorial service officials knelt in honor of the deceased king. It is also called Panwi or Eobaseok.
  • Hongsalmun This is the gate with two red cylindrical pillars.

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