E2024-G142

Tomb of a Goryeo Official: Jeong Ji

Narrative

Gwangju is home to several tombs dating to the Goryeo (918-1392) period. The tombs in general are earthen burial mounds with stones around the base to support the structure. In front of the tombs are various stone structures and statues that serve to symbolically protect the tomb and are used during veneration rituals. A stele or monument was often erected near the tomb to record the life and achievements of the person buried there. Husbands and wifes were often buried in the same mound or in adjacent mounds.

An example of a Goryeo period tomb is the tomb of Jeong Ji. Jeong Ji (1347-1391) was a renowned general of the Goryeo period. The late Goryeo period in which Jeong lived was a very chaotic time due to the frequent trespassing of Japanese pirates. As a way to stop the pirates, Jeong proposed the establishment of a navy for the first time in Korean history. He thought, “An enemy who has crossed the sea should be stopped at the sea. The Japanese pirates must be swept clear by training those familiar with the sea.” With such discerning insight, Jeong achieved great victories in several battles against the pirates. These contributions were recognized and he became a meritorious subject.

The tomb was constructed in accordance with Jeong’s status as a meritorious subject and is typical for the late Goryeo period. It consists of a trapezoidal earthen burial mound surrounded on three sides by a stone retaining wall. In front of the burial mound are a tombstone, a stone table, and two stone statues of government officials. The armor worn by General Jeong was preserved by his descendants and was designated as a Treasure in 1963. It is currently exhibited at the Gwangju History & Folk Museum.