Bak Heung-saeng Tombstone, Yeongdong

This stele stands before the tomb of Bak Heung-saeng, a civil official of the early Joseon period. Bak Heung-saeng (pen name Gukdang, 1374–1446) was renowned for his scholarship from an early age: he became a jinsa [holder of a licentiate examination degree] at thirteen, in 1386, the thirteenth year of King U of Goryeo, and a saengwon [holder of another licentiate degree] at seventeen, in 1390, the second year of King Gongyang. On the recommendation of Yi Saek he began his official career as an instructor in Yeoheung-bu and Chuncheon-bu, and in 1423, the fifth year of King Sejong, he served as magistrate of Changpyeong County. In 1424, the seventh year of King Sejong, he observed mourning beside his parent's grave for three years, and in recognition of this filial devotion a jeongnyeogak [a memorial gate honouring exceptional filial piety] was erected for him. He took part in the movement to restore King Danjong after King Sejo's usurpation of the throne, and was later enshrined, together with the Saengyuksin [the Six Surviving Loyal Subjects], in the Chohon-gak shrine of Sukmojeon at Donghaksa Temple in Gongju. The stele stands on a square base, with a stele body topped by a roof-shaped capstone, and survives complete without damage. It was erected in 1638, the tenth year of King Sukjong, with the epitaph composed by Song Si-yeol (pen name Uam) and the inscription written by Nam Gu-man (pen name Yakcheon).

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongdong, Chungbuk

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물