• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.52-69
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• 2012

This paper attempts to analyze the inner and outer structure of royal tombs that were built during the Joseon Period. This analysis is based on the relevant historical records and they were restored through visual composition in order to compare the features of Joseon royal tombs with those of Goryeo royal tombs and common tombs of the Joseon Period. Royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty are structurally solid and contain a variety of artistic ornaments that symbolize guardian deities both inside and outside to protect the owners of the tombs for a long time. According to historical records such as Sejong sillok oryeui (Five Rites of State from the Annals of King Sejong) and Gukjo oryeui (Five Rites of State), it is presumed that the inner structure of royal tombs dating back to the early Joseon Period consisted of a stone chamber and that the byeongpungseok and nanganseok were built outside of the tomb. However, ever since King Sejo left it in his will not to make a stone chamber in his tomb, the royal tombs began to follow a new pattern, a burial pit outside the coffin filled with lime powder. Gukjo sangnye bopyeon (Supplement Book of the State Funeral Rites), which was compiled during the reign of King Yeongjo, is a book that shows how the royal tombs were formed in the late Joseon Period. The book explains in detail how lime powder was used to fill the burial pit of royal tombs. The byeongpungseok used during the late Joseon Period were engraved with peony flowers, while those previously made were engraved with twelve spirit warriors. Peony designs were frequently used to decorate the items of royal families, and the use of peony designs in tombs reflects the idea of regarding the royal tombs as an everyday living space for the deceased.