Goyang City Newly Designates 'Sim Bongwon's Tomb and Stele' as Local Heritage Site

A Key Clue for the Study of Joseon-Era Aristocratic Burial Customs
Historical, Academic, and Artistic Value Elevated

Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) announced on the 12th that it has newly designated the 'Sim Bongwon's Tomb and Stele' located in Wonheung-dong, Deogyang-gu as a local heritage site of Goyang City.

Overview of Sim Bongwon's Tomb. Provided by Goyang Special City

Hyochang Sim Bongwon, a renowned Confucian scholar of the early Joseon Dynasty and the progenitor of the Cheongsong Sim clan in Goyang City, held several key positions in governmental agencies such as Jangnyeong of the Office of the Inspector-General, Gyori of the Office of Censors, and Jikjehak of the Hongmungwan. He also served as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Taxation and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He passed away from old age in 1574 and was buried alongside his wife, Lady Kim of the Gyeongju Kim clan, in the current cemetery in Wonheung-dong, Deogyang-gu.

The Sim Bongwon tomb complex faithfully preserves the burial style of the era. Various stone structures, including the stele, altar stone, incense burner stone, guardian stone, and left and right stone figures, remain well-preserved in their original form, making the site an important resource for understanding the burial customs of Joseon-era aristocrats.

Notably, while the tombs of his father Sim Sunmun, his eldest brother Sim Yeonwon, and his second brother Sim Dalwon are all located in Gimpo, Sim Bongwon settled in Goyang City, where his descendants have continued their lineage to this day.

In the Cheongsong Sim clan Hyochanggong Family Association's burial grounds in Wonheung-dong, Deogyang-gu, not only Sim Bongwon's tomb but also the tombs of Sim Huisu, who served as Chief State Councilor, and Sim Chang, who served as Goyang County Governor, are well maintained by their descendants.

The Sim Bongwon stele, erected in 1616, retains its original form and is in excellent condition. The stele's title was inscribed by Kim Sangyong, who served as Right State Councilor, and the inscription was written by Noh Susin, who served as Chief State Councilor. The calligraphy was done by Namchang Kim Hyeonseong (1542-1621), a leading calligrapher of the Joseon Dynasty, making the stele a valuable resource for the study of calligraphy from that era.

Sim Bongwon's Stele Completion. Provided by Goyang Special City

The headstone and the main body of the stele are made from a single piece of white marble, intricately carved with a pair of dragons vying for a wish-granting pearl.

The Goyang City Local Heritage Committee, comprised of academic experts, stated, "The Sim Bongwon tomb has been continuously maintained by his descendants since the Joseon Dynasty, preserving the burial style of the time. The stele's exquisite craftsmanship is not only artistically outstanding but also fulfills historical, academic, and artistic value, which is why it has been designated as a local heritage site."

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