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.

Lee, G.-h. (2020). The Construction and Significance of the Royal family Tomb of the North of the City Wall in the late Joseon Dynasty. The Bukak History Academy, 12, 139–171. https://doi.org/10.37288/bukak.2020.12.7.139