King Jeongjo's Role in Selecting the Site and Planning the Tomb of Hyeonryungwon

현륭원(顯隆園)의 입지선정과 원침계획에서 정조(正祖)의 역할

Hyeunryungwon is a tomb for Crown Prince Sado, who was the father of King Jeongjo, the twenty second king of Joseon dynasty. The tomb had been originally in the Eastern part of Seoul, but was relocated in 1789 to the downtown Suwon, which was renowned as a good tomb site among the Royal family at that time. King Jeongjo looked through the records from the previous generations for the ideal location and direction for the tomb. He personally studied Feng Shui theory and designated its location and direction. He ordered for lavish decorations for the stone adornments of the surroundings of the grave mound, which was against the regulations of the royal family. He found his reasons in the precedent that allowed sumptuous decoration. However, for the arrangements of Jeongjagahk(T shaped building) and other attached facilities, he made unusual choice that other precedent royal tombs did not have. Instead of following the conventions that Jeongjagak should be facing south of a grave mound, he put it on the right side of grave mound. Also conventionally, Subokbang(a place where guards can stay) and Suragan(a kitchen that prepares food for sacrificial rites) should be facing symmetrically, but they too, were on the same side with Jeongjagak. It was a measurement that the grave mound of Hyeunryungwon can have a full view without being obstructed by other facilities and it was also personally ordered by King Jeongjo. The distinguishing features of Hyeunryuwon was motivated by King Jeongjo's filial affection, and his academic pursuit of precedent royal tombs initiated the unconventional and innovative challenges.