Gyeonggi-do Takes Charge of Managing 'Joseon Royal Taebong' in Cultural Protection Blind Spots

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province is taking steps to protect and manage the Joseon royal family's 'Taebong' (Taesil), which has so far been a blind spot in cultural preservation.

Taebong refers to the royal practice of selecting auspicious sites to enshrine the 'Tae (胎)' after the birth of princes, princesses, and royal children. It is recognized by academia as a rare global cultural heritage related to birth.

However, many were destroyed or damaged during the Japanese colonial period, when the Japanese sought to erase the legitimacy of the Joseon royal family, and many more disappeared during industrialization and modernization.

In 2008, the province conducted a survey on 25 sites confirmed by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, and from November to December last year, it investigated the current status, confirming the existence of 13 sites. However, 12 sites were found to be either lost or with uncertain locations.

Among the 13 confirmed sites, four have been designated as local cultural heritage by cities or counties: ▲ King Jungjong Taesil and monument in Gapyeong ▲ Princess Jeongsuk Taesil in Hwaseong ▲ Mansegyo-ri Taebong in Pocheon ▲ Ikjong Taebong in Pocheon.

Additionally, six sites preserve related artifacts such as Taesil monuments: ▲ Prince Yeongchang Taesil monument in Gapyeong ▲ Jogang-ri Taesil in Gimpo ▲ Gojan-dong Taesil in Ansan ▲ Princess Hoeok Taesil in Yeoncheon ▲ Mubong-ri Taesil in Pocheon ▲ Princess Yeongjo Taesil in Anseong.

However, three sites were found to be in poor preservation condition, with some Taesil monuments partially lost, and seven sites, including Princess Jeongso of Sejong's Taesil in Goyang, have already disappeared.

Based on this survey, the province plans to protect the remaining Taesil through cultural heritage designation or upgrading, and conduct additional investigations on five sites with uncertain locations.

A provincial official stated, "Gyeonggi Province, which holds 31 of the 41 Joseon royal tombs designated as World Cultural Heritage sites, is a treasure trove of royal culture. This survey is significant because it breaks away from relying solely on academia and central government agencies, with the province directly conducting the survey and establishing preservation plans." He added, "We will continue to preserve and manage Taesil-related cultural heritage and develop it as a new cultural resource for Gyeonggi Province."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.