E2024-G143

Tomb of a Joseon Official: Jeon Sang-ui

Narrative

Gwangju is home to several tombs dating to the Joseon (1392-1910) period. The tombs 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 Joseon period tomb is the tomb of Jeon Sang-ui. This tomb belongs to the military official Jeon Sang-ui (1575-1627) and his wife Lady Im. Born in Gwangju, Jeon Sang-ui passed the state examination in 1603 and began his military career. Jeon died during the Manchu invasion of 1627 while protecting Anjuseong Fortress, an important stronghold in the northwest part of the Korean Peninsula. The enemy troops were moved by Jeon’s resolve to fight to the death, and, believing that a patriotic martyr’s body should be handled with care, made a separate grave for him marked with his name. After the war, Jeon’s body was returned to Gwangju and formally buried here.

The earthen burial mound measures 21 m in circumference and is surrounded at the base by support stones. The stone sculptures in front of the tomb include a tombstone erected in 1857, as well as recently made statues of civil officials and goats.

Hwaam Village, where the tomb is located, is also home to Chungminsa Shrine which holds Jeon Sang-ui’s portrait and spirit tablet.