Gimpo Jangneung

Site details

The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, which are the burial sites of the kings and queens of Joseon, are a national heritage that encapsulates the period's philosophy, burial customs, nature-integrated structures, and artistic value. Based on the principles of geomancy (pungsu), these tombs were situated not far from Hanyang (modern-day Seoul), adhering to the law that required them to be located "beyond 10 ri outside the four gates of the capital but no farther than 80 ri. " While most of the royal tombs are concentrated in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area, there are notable exceptions, such as those located in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, and Kaesong in present-day North Korea. Among the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, there are three tombs referred to as "Jangneung. " These include the tomb of King Danjong, the 6th king, located in Yeongwol; the tomb of King Injo, the 16th king, and Queen Inyeol, located in Paju; and the tomb of King Wonjong and Queen Inheon, located in Gimpo. King Wonjong, the occupant of Gimpo Jangneung, was the son of King Seonjo, the 14th king, and the father of King Injo, the 16th king. He was recognized as a meritorious subject for his service to King Seonjo during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) and was awarded the title of "Hoseong Gongsin. " However, he passed away in 1619 (the 11th year of King Gwanghaegun's reign). After King Injo ascended the throne through a coup, Wonjong was posthumously honored with the title of Daewongun (Grand Prince) and, in 1632 (the 10th year of King Injo's reign), was controversially posthumously elevated to the status of a king. Gimpo Jangneung, located on the slopes of Jangneung Mountain, is a royal tomb that follows the ssangneung (twin tomb) format, where the burial mounds of the king and queen are placed side by side on the same hill. When viewed from Jeongjagak (the main ceremonial hall), King Wonjong's tomb is on the left, and Queen Inheon's tomb is on the right. In keeping with the precedent set by other tombs of kings who were posthumously honored (i. e. , kings who did not ascend to the throne during their lifetime but were given the title posthumously), no byeongpungseok (screen stones) or nanganseok (stone railings) were installed around the burial mounds. A hallmark of the Joseon royal tombs is their harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape, and Gimpo Jangneung is no exception, blending beautifully with its natural setting.