Did Queen Sindeok ever imagine her final resting place would become the Jeongneung T-Shaped Shrine? This unassuming structure holds centuries of Joseon Dynasty history. Jeongneung, the tomb of Queen Sindeok, Joseon’s first queen, sits before us. Its history is marked by relocation and rediscovery. Originally located in Jeong-dong, concerns arose about a royal tomb within city walls. King Taejong ordered its move to the city’s outskirts. He also removed the original T-shaped shrine. He constructed the Gwangtonggyo Bridge. He replaced the twelve zodiac animal deities.
For years, Jeongneung was neglected. It was treated as an anonymous tomb. This changed in 1699. Scholar and officer Song Si-yeol petitioned King Hyeonjong. The tomb’s title was finally recognized. Unlike grander royal tombs, Jeongneung lacks certain features. It has no stone screen or balustrades. It has fewer stone sculptures. This reflects its period of neglect.
However, Jeongneung’s design offers a glimpse into Joseon’s history. The royal tomb system was based on the Goryeo Dynasty model. Joseon tombs followed this standard with minor modifications. Jeongneung’s rectangular stone lantern was inspired by Hyeonjeongneung. Hyeonjeongneung is the tomb of King Gongmin and Princess Noguk. It showcases the continuity and adaptation of royal traditions. Jeongneung’s story, from relocation to rediscovery, reflects the ebb and flow of history. It stands as a testament to Queen Sindeok and the evolution of Joseon’s royal burial practices.