Goyang Seosamneung Taesil Embraces Reproductions of Tae Hangari (Royal Birth Jar)

Seosamneung Taesil Research Institute Replica... Exhibited with Photos from Excavation Time

Sejong Naehangari

The Joseon Royal Tombs Western District Management Office of the Cultural Heritage Administration will permanently exhibit reproductions of royal placenta jars at Seosamneung in Goyang (Historic Site No. 200) starting today (the 15th). The display includes one outer placenta jar of King Taejo, one inner placenta jar of King Sejong, two inner and outer placenta jars of King Injong, two inner and outer placenta jars of King Sukjong, and two inner and outer placenta jars of King Jeongjo. These placenta jars were excavated during a 1996 archaeological investigation of the placenta chamber by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and have been reproduced by the Seosamneung Placenta Chamber Research Institute. They are shown alongside photographs taken at the time of excavation.

The placenta chamber is a place where the royal family enshrined the placenta of their offspring. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was believed that the placenta contained the life force of the fetus, so it was carefully preserved even after birth. Generally, the placenta was placed in placenta jars, but for heirs apparent such as the crown prince or crown grandson, the placenta was stored in stone chambers.

Tae-sil

The Cultural Heritage Administration has opened the previously restricted placenta chambers to the public since October 16. Visits are conducted by reservation through the Joseon Royal Tombs website, with twenty people per session. There are three guided tours per day, each accompanied by a docent and operated on a timed basis.

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