• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.56-71
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• 2013

This study was carried out to investigate the construction background of multi-functional vacant grounds in the rear gardens of Kyeongbok Palace and Kyeongun Palace, by understanding the building history of multi-functional vacant ground during the Joseon Dynasty with a special reference to the places formed in the period of King Kojong. The multi-functional vacant grounds in the Palace were the important element from the political aspect of Joseon Dynasty, and became an infrastructure of a state - run organization. The vacant space between Kwangyeonlu(廣延樓) and Haeonjeong, the whole region of Yeolmujeong(閱武亭), Seochongdae(瑞蔥臺), and Chundangdae(春塘臺) were investigated as the multi-functional places, where the events were held for the royal family in the Changdeok Palace after the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty. Various events such as the archery competition, official examination and military training were held at the places. After the inauguration of King Kojong, Kyeongmudae(京武臺) was made in the process of the reconstruction of the Kyeongbok Palace. The Kyeonghee Palace was used as the off-palace rear garden after the year that King Kojong returned to the Kyeongun Palace. The characteristics of two spaces were to apply the space organization of the Changdeok Palace into the rear garden outside of Sinmumun(神武門), Kyeongmudae at Kyeongbok Palace and the pedestrian overpass was established to connect the spaces efficiently in Kyeonghee Palace. Especially, the multi-functional vacant ground in the rear garden during the period of King Kojong functioned as the place to show off the internal and external independence of a nation and to show the authority and dignity of King at the point of time that accelerated the plundering Joseon Dynasty by Japanese imperialism powers, beyond the meaning of national event space that had existed before, such as official examination or archery test. In addition, the fact that the multi-functional vacant ground used as training place for military exercise where many people were mobilized was considered to reflect the contemporary situation.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.104-121
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• 2017

The present study attempted to produce the floor plan of the surroundings near Geumcheongyo Bridge in Changdeokgung Palace of the Late Joseon Period through the use of rubber sheeting transformation based on the drawing principles of "Donggwoldo(東闕圖)". First, the study compared the actual sizes of the major buildings that have existed since the production of "Donggwoldo(東闕圖)" with the sizes depicted in the picture to reveal that the front elevation of the buildings was produced by reducing it by approximately 1/200. However, the study could not confirm the same production proportions for the side elevation. Only the lengths of the side elevation were depicted at around half of the actual proportions, and as the diagonal line angles were found to be at an average of $39^{\circ}$, the study confirmed they were drawn in a manner similar to cabinet projection. Second, the study created an obliquely projected floor plan by inversely shadowing the drawing principles of "Donggwoldo(東闕圖)" and produced a floor plan of the surroundings near Geumcheongyo Bridge in Changdeokgung Palace through the use of rubber sheeting transformation. Projective transformation was confirmed as most suitable during the transformation, and with standard error of 2.1208m, the relatively high accuracy of the transformation shows that the production of a floor plan for "Donggwoldo(東闕圖)" is significant. Furthermore, it implies the possibility of producing floor plans for various documentary paintings produced using the paralleled oblique drawing method in addition to "Donggwoldo(東闕圖)". Third, the study evaluated the accuracy of the spatial information provided by the produced floor plan by comparing the three items of Geumcheongyo Bridge location, Geumcheongyo Bridge and Jinseonmun Gate arrangement, and Geumcheon stone embankment location. The results confirmed the possibility of utilizing the floor plan as a useful tool which helps understand the appearance of the surroundings at the time of "Donggwoldo(東闕圖)" production because it is parallel to the excavation results of the Geumcheongyo Bridge and its context. Therefore, the present study is significant in that it seeks the possibility of producing spatial information recorded in "Donggwoldo(東闕圖)" by applying rubber sheeting transformation and consequently in that it presents a new methodology for understanding the appearance of the East Palace of the Late Joseon Period.

• MISULJARYO - National Museum of Korea Art Journal
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• v.97
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• pp.14-54
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• 2020

The overall study of Samsaebulhoedo (painting of the Assembly of Buddhas of Three Ages) at Yongjusa Temple has focused on dating it, analyzing the painting style, identifying its painter, and scrutinizing the related documents. However, its greater coherence could be achieved through additional support from empirical evidence and logical consistency. Recent studies on Samsaebulhoedo at Yongjusa Temple that postulate that the painting could have been produced by a monk-painter in the late nineteenth century and that an original version produced in 1790 could have been retouched by a painter in the 1920s using a Western painting style lack such empirical proof and logic. Although King Jeongjo's son was not yet installed as crown prince, the Samsaebulhoedo at Yongjusa Temple contained a conventional written prayer wishing for a long life for the king, queen, and crown prince: "May his majesty the King live long / May her majesty the Queen live long / May his highness the Crown Prince live long" (主上殿下壽萬歲, 王妃殿下壽萬歲, 世子邸下壽萬歲). Later, this phrase was erased using cinnabar and revised to include unusual content in an exceptional order: "May his majesty the King live long / May his highness the King's Affectionate Mother (Jagung) live long / May her majesty the Queen live long / May his highness the Crown Prince live long" (主上殿下壽萬歲, 慈宮邸下壽萬歲, 王妃殿下壽萬歲, 世子邸下壽萬歲). A comprehensive comparison of the formats and contents in written prayers found on late Joseon Buddhist paintings and a careful analysis of royal liturgy during the reign of King Jeongjo reveal Samsaebulhoedo at Yongjusa Temple to be an original version produced at the time of the founding of Yongjusa Temple in 1790. According to a comparative analysis of formats, iconography, styles, aesthetic sensibilities, and techniques found in Buddhist paintings and paintings by Joseon court painters from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Samsaebulhoedo at Yongjusa Temple bears features characteristic of paintings produced around 1790, which corresponds to the result of analysis on the written prayer. Buddhist paintings created up to the early eighteenth century show deities with their sizes determined by their religious status and a two-dimensional conceptual composition based on the traditional perspective of depicting close objects in the lower section and distant objects above. This Samsaebulhoedo, however, systematically places the Buddhist deities within a threedimensional space constructed by applying a linear perspective. Through the extensive employment of chiaroscuro as found in Western painting, it expresses white highlights and shadows, evoking a feeling that the magnificent world of the Buddhas of the Three Ages actually unfolds in front of viewers. Since the inner order of a linear perspective and the outer illusion of chiaroscuro shading are intimately related to each other, it is difficult to believe that the white highlights were a later addition. Moreover, the creative convergence of highly-developed Western painting style and techniques that is on display in this Samsaebulhoedo could only have been achieved by late-Joseon court painters working during the reign of King Jeongjo, including Kim Hongdo, Yi Myeong-gi, and Kim Deuksin. Deungun, the head monk of Yongjusa Temple, wrote Yongjusa sajeok (History of Yongjusa Temple) by compiling the historical records on the temple that had been transmitted since its founding. In Yongjusa sajeok, Deungun recorded that Kim Hongdo painted Samsaebulhoedo as if it were a historical fact. The Joseon royal court's official records, Ilseongnok (Daily Records of the Royal Court and Important Officials) and Suwonbu jiryeong deungnok (Suwon Construction Records), indicate that Kim Hongdo, Yi Myeong-gi, and Kim Deuksin all served as a supervisor (gamdong) for the production of Buddhist paintings. Since within Joseon's hierarchical administrative system it was considered improper to allow court painters of government position to create Buddhist paintings which had previously been produced by monk-painters, they were appointed as gamdong in name only to avoid a political liability. In reality, court painters were ordered to create Buddhist paintings. During their reigns, King Yeongjo and King Jeongjo summoned the literati painters Jo Yeongseok and Kang Sehwang to serve as gamdong for the production of royal portraits and requested that they paint these portraits as well. Thus, the boundary between the concept of supervision and that of painting occasionally blurred. Supervision did not completely preclude painting, and a gamdong could also serve as a painter. In this light, the historical records in Yongjusa sajeok are not inconsistent with those in Ilseongnok, Suwonbu jiryeong deungnok, and a prayer written by Hwang Deok-sun, which was found inside the canopy in Daeungjeon Hall at Yongjusa Temple. These records provided the same content in different forms as required for their purposes and according to the context. This approach to the Samsaebulhoedo at Yongjusa Temple will lead to a more coherent explanation of dating the painting, analyzing its style, identifying its painter, and interpreting the relevant documents based on empirical grounds and logical consistency.

• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.49
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• pp.73-107
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• 2012

Yeoheon Jang Hyeongwang(1554-1637), one of the greatest Mid-Joseon Confucianists did systematic studies on universe and nature. It can be considered that he inherited the academic tradition of Cho Sik (曺植) and Jeong Gu(鄭逑) and followed their steps of fengshui (風水) and compilation of geographical records. His living and thought and deserve researching with regard to geographical studies. This paper attempts to analyze Yeoheon's recognition of geography in general. In other words, I shall prove that his view of geography is Neo-Confucian. At the same time, I shall discuss how he named people's residence, how he understanded the Joseon territory, what he thought about fengshui, and what significance the complication of geographical records by his disciples had. Yeoheon considered that land is composed of water, fire, earth, and rock, and understanded the land according to the theory of Zhouyi (周易). He analyzed geographic environments by the system of Zhouyi. His study of geography is basically intended for practical use, and as a result is necessary for people to choose where to live and where to cultivate. In his opinion, it is essential to divide the land of the Joseon by means of geographical differences in order to help people to find a better place to live. We can see his Confucian view from the fact that he placed a greater emphasis on human beings over nature. Therefore, the practical use for humans is the first priority in his study of geography. Meanwhile, he considered nature itself as only the object of study. He realized the vitality of life by making a close observation of nature and attained the mind of the Heaven and Earth in a detached way. He, as a follower of Neo-Confucianism, enjoyed the land by feeling comfortable with his present status and by being satisfied with himself. He put his Confucian view of universe and world into practice in his life. As a part of his efforts, he named his residence and surrounding natural environments with the polar star and 28 stars, and accordingly they are reconstructed in a system of universe. The Confucian tradition of dongcheon gugok (洞天九曲) starting with Zhu Xi's administration of wuyi jiugu (武夷九曲) was widely prevalent during the Joseon period, but Yeoheon's system of organizing places is original. His sense of naming places reflects his ideas of following his predecessors, comparing natural objects to human emotions, and desiring to live in retirement. Yeoheon understanded the Joseon territory with comparison of the Chinese land. He expressed his knowledge in the form of changing geographical features of a district, appreciating natural beauty, locating towns, and being familiar with a region, and proposing his own climatology and view of the reality. His recognition of the Joseon territory resolves itself into the following several points. He regarded the Joseon territory as one organism, and considered the territory to be composed of ki (氣) as Neo-Confucianists usually do. In addition, he understanded not only natural environments but also towns from a perspective of the fengshui and adopted a comparative methodology in dividing regions. He also applied climatology to analyze persons and customs. He employed the methodology of fengshui from the comprehensive theory of the Yijing. It is because he was influenced by Cho Sik and Jeng Gu. Yeoheon chose dwelling places for people, or gave advice on several places of his hometown relying on his knowledge of fengshui. When it comes to his theory of fengshui, he agreed with the theory of topography with regards to the fengshui of tombs, but criticized the custom of delaying funerals in order to turn fortune in one's favor. In addition, he accepted that it is necessary to complement a town by creating forests around it. We need to pay attention to the fact that Yeoheon's disciples complied several geographical records. It proves that they inherited the tradition of "valuing practical use and governing on behalf of the people" from Cho Sik and Jeong Gu. Yeoheon put a great emphasis on geographical records and encouraged his disciples to compile them. In other words, he emphasized that they, as administrator or intellectual, need to be erudite in the history and custom of a region where they have lived, and have to establish a standard to encourage or warn people in the region while considering the geographical records. His opinion functioned as a guideline for his successors to compile geographical records later. This paper only analyzed several facts with regard to Yeoheon's knowledge of geography and an academic tradition concerning the study of geography. In the future, I shall discuss how his predecessors and successors understanded geography and how the tradition of compiling geographical records was transferred and developed between them. I believe that this study will contribute to establishing the history of geography, which the Joseon Confucianists researched for a long time but we have not paid an enough attention to until now.