• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.62-73
• /
• 2015

The Tae-Jo Geonwolleung is the tomb of the first king Tae-Jo of the Joseon Dynasty in the complex of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty which is listed in World Heritage, and it contains various types of stone properties. The material of the stone properties consist of a single type of medium-grained biotite granite, however, each properties have different intensity and types in deterioration phenomena according to their locations and purposes. The major deterioration types of the stones are analyzed as physical decomposition and biodeterioration. The exfoliation, breaking-out and granular decomposition are widespread types of the deterioration throughout the entire burial mound stone properties and surrounding stone properties. On the other hands, the colonization of mosses and plants, and contamination by foreign materials are found more frequent in the burial mound stone properties as these stones are in contact with the soil of the tomb mound and moisture in the soil helped biodeterioration. It is suggested that anti-biology treatment and physical reinforcement are applied to the deteriorated stones to prevent further damage on the stone components of the tomb.

• Journal of architectural history
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.53-62
• /
• 2020

This study focuses on the architectural changes of stele pavilion at the royal tombs of Joseon Dynasty. Throughout the survey on overall forty two stele pavilions, they were classified into basic type, expanded type, and 4-side corridor type. Basic type was usually used for general small stela, while expanded type was for extraordinarily large ones. 4-side corridor type, however, turned out to be used for both small and large stela and has appeared only during King Gojong period(高宗年間, 1863-1907). When it was first applied at Geonwolleung(健元陵) in 1870s, the purpose of 4-side corridor type seemed to stabilize the enlarged structure due to the size of the larger stele. Later, 4-side corridor type was repeated for small stela at Hongneung(洪陵) and Yureung(裕陵) in 1898 and 1904 respectively, to express higher dignity of Daehan Empire(大韓帝國). This type of plan continued to other pavilions in the center of Seoul such as Kinyeombijeon(紀念碑殿) and Seokgojeon(石鼓殿) that were built in 1903 with sophisticated proportion and multiple brackets. This architectural change implies that stele pavilion itself has become more significant than stele inside.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
• /
• v.55 no.4
• /
• pp.180-193
• /
• 2022

The East Nine Royal Tombs is a representative place in the Royal Tombs of Joseon (a World Heritage Site). It consists of 1,289 stone artifacts including 979 related stone structures, 310 stone statues, and objects. Most of the stone structures in the East Nine Royal Tombs are composed of biotite granite, but some tombs are composed of light red granite. As a result of magnetic susceptibility measurement, the average data from Geonwolleung to Mongneung, excluding Hyeolleung, were similar, so it is estimated that stones were obtained from the same quarry. In the case of Sungneung, Sureung, and Gyeongneung, the range of susceptibility measurement is widely distributed. It assumed that the newly produced stones were mixed in the moving and construction process. Also, stones might be gathered from different quarries. As a result of a conservation status investigation, both the mound member and the ridge stone had the highest damage rate due to peeling and granular decomposition according to surface weathering. In the case of surface discoloration, yellowing and soils were found in the burial mound members. Yellowing, blackening, and soil were identified in the ridge stone structures. Bio-degradation is the major factor of deterioration of the East Nine Royal Tombs and the conservation status of the tombs were detected as grades 4 to 5. It seems that it is easy for the environment of the royal tombs to form soil for the microorganisms and fine conditions for continuous moisture. In the case of structures, they are in relatively good condition. As a result of a comprehensive damage rating for each tomb, the overall condition is good, but the Geonwolleung Royal Tomb and Hyeolleung Tomb, which were created in the early period, had relatively high weathering ratings. Stone objects in East Nine Royal Tombs have lost many pieces and gateway members due to surface deterioration. Also, secondary damage is ongoing. Each damage factor of the stone artifacts of the East Nine Royal Tombs combines to cause various and continuous damages. Therefore, it is necessary to establish regular conservation status data of the stone artifacts for efficient management after processing as well as conservation treatment of the royal tombs, and specific management manuals and systems. This study investigated the conservation status of stone structures in the East Nine Royal Tombs, a World Heritage Site, and systematically classified them to provide priority and necessity for conservation processing. We look forward to establishing a plan for the conservation and management of the East Nine Royal Tombs with this database in the future.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
• /
• v.55 no.4
• /
• pp.118-135
• /
• 2022

The primary purpose of this study is to estimate the structure of Byeongpungsadaseok (屛風莎臺石) and Nanganseok (欄干石) in Geonwonneung (建元陵) and Heonneung (獻陵), which were built in the early of 15th century, based on the Annals of King Sejong. In addition, the ultimate purpose of this study is to reveal structural changes and their significance by comparing the differences with the contents of the dismantlement survey. Geonwonneung, Jereung(齊陵), and Heonneung were repaired at the same time in 1442, and the structural changes were the similar. The purpose of the repair in 1442 was to prevent water from flowing into the underground palace with smooth drainage. As a result of estimating the structure of Geonwonneung and Heonneung according to the records of the Annals of King Sejong, it was created in a very similar form to the Hyeonneung and Jeongneung of Goryeo. And it was clearly recognized that the Royal Tomb of Goryeo was followed. However, as the structure was improved in 1442, the unique characteristics of the Royal Tomb of the Joseon Dynasty were formed. First is the appearance of the Bokbuhyeong lime (覆釜形石灰, which is a convex roof on the Byeongpungsadaseok that serves to prevent rainwater from penetrating into the burial mound. It also plays a role in connecting and fixing the Manseok (滿石) and the Inseok (引石), which are the upper structures of the Sadaseok (莎臺石). Second, the Bakseok (薄石) between the nanganseok and the sadaseok has been transformed into the Sangseok (裳石) with a slope. This plays a role in protecting the inner stone chamber by expanding the length of the bakseok, which forms an overall slope, like the eaves of the roof. After both of these features were first attempted in 1442, they were applied to all Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty and became unique features of these Royal Tombs.