Sim On Tomb

This is the tomb of Sim On (1375–1418), father of Queen Soheon and so father-in-law of King Sejong. The grave takes the form of a single mound (danbun) shared with Lady Ahn of Sunheung. It is laid out in three tiers of steps centred on gyecheseok (long, flat boundary stones marking the edge of the grave), and the original form of fifteenth-century tomb design is well preserved here. The myopyo (tombstone bearing the deceased's name) records the posthumous title 'Anhyo,' showing that it was made after 1451. Its form — a capstone with softened corners set on a square base (gyusubangbu-hyeong) — is relatively grand in scale. The inscription is written in the Songseolche style then in fashion, based on the calligraphy of the Yuan painter-calligrapher Zhao Mengfu, a vigorous yet elegant regular script; the writing here is strong yet flowing. According to the Geunyeok Seohwajing (1928), this is the hand of Prince Anpyeong (1418–1453), a master of Songseolche. The jangmyeongdeung (stone lantern) has a somewhat unnatural three-tiered round-topped form, but with its large hwachang (fire window) and open, airy design it is a work of the fifteenth century. The munseogin (stone civil-official statue) takes the bokdugongbok form — wearing a bokdu cap and gongbok official robes — and its grand scale and striking expression give powerful symbolic expression to the guardianship of the tomb. The original form of early Joseon tomb design survives well here, and the tombstone, on which Songseolche calligraphy can be appreciated, together with stone figures embodying the artistry of the fifteenth century, capture the distinctive character of Gyeonggi-region royal tomb culture, making this a heritage asset of high value.

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Where it is

Region

Suwon, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물