Sindeok, the First Queen of the Joseon Dynasty

Heavy, intricately carved tombstones are embedded in the banks of theCheonggyecheon Stream that cuts through downtown Seoul, in the shadows of the Gwangtonggyo Bridge, echoing the story of their owner, Queen Sindeok, the first of the Joseon Dynasty. Why are these stones here under the bridge, out in public view, rather than surrounding their assigned tomb, the Royal Tomb of Queen Sindeok?

To examine and understand this enigmatic situation, Tombstones without a Tomb first seeks to understand why the status of Queen Sindeok, who played a crucial role in the foundation of the new dynasty, was degraded after her death, and then traces the process of how the Queen’s honor has since been restored. As the hidden story unfolds, the book brings awareness to the history of Neo-Confucianism and the Neo-Confucian mindset among scholar-officials and the throne throughout the six hundred years of the Joseon dynasty.



A well-organized and useful resource, this original English publication helps readers explore the life and legacy of Queen Sindeok and take a look into the Neo-Confucian society of the Joseon Dynasty.

Preface and Acknowledgements



A Note to the Readers



Introduction







Part One ? Honor (1335?1397)



Chapter 1 The Emergence of Yi Seonggye and Lady Kang



Chapter 2 Second Wife: Goryeo, 1356?1392 41



Chapter 3 Illustrious Consort: Joseon, 1392?1396



Chapter 4 Queen Sindeok: Joseon, 1396?1397







Part Two ? Dishonor (1398?1450)



Chapter 5 The Chess Master



Chapter 6 Four Significant Sites



Chapter 7 Repairing and Appeasing







Part Three ? Ideological Warfare (1500?1669)



Chapter 8 The Rise of the Scholar-Officials



Chapter 9 A Young Man’s Request



Chapter 10 One Decade, Two Extremes



Chapter 11 Crescendo



Chapter 12 Finally, Enshrinement







Part Four ? A Name Remembered (1674?2005)



Chapter 13 From Honor to Honors 163



Chapter 14 Into the Twentieth Century 175



Chapter 15 Tombstones without a Tomb 182



Chapter 16 Reflections 188







Epilogue I Am Introduced to the Queen 192



Appendixes 197



Notes 208



Glossary 218



Bibliography 221



Index 231