Abstract
This study aims to find out the norms and principles reflected in the spatial organization of royal tombs in the Chosun Dynasty through the modern interpretation of traditional oriental philosophy theory. We examined the characteristics of royal tomb sites including Jeshil(Shrine), Hongjunmun, tomb mound, ponds, and attached buildings employing an analysis of the spatial formation and landscape. This study covered 36 tombs of kings and queens in the Chosun Dynasty. The entire layout of royal tombs, including annexed buildings, was informal in may cases. This was due to following the natural contour rather than adhering to certain philosophical principles. The royal tomb site is divided into three zones. Jeshil and pond constitute a space for living people, visitors. Secondly, the semi-scared space includes the space from Hongjunmun to the entrance to the Chungjaka. The last space is for the dead, from the back of Chungjakak to tomb mound. This is in line with the layout of palaces of the Chosun Dynasty which is characterized by "three gates and three zones": outer yard-court yard- back yard. The size of the space for holding memorial ceremonies, from Hongjunmun to the Chungjakak entrance, was set at 900m until the early Chosun Dynasty. Since that time the distance varied according to the land topography due to the influence of metaphysics. It can be summarized that the spatial organization of royal tombs in the Chosun Dynasty is based on the Confucianism value, the natural contour of the site, and inner spiritual value.ual value.
