How a Deposed King's Grave Was Demoted

Yeonsangun was deposed in a coup and demoted to the rank of a mere prince, and his grave carries only the lesser rank of "myo," not a royal tomb.

Key takeaways

Yeonsangun, whose tyrannical later reign is one of the most notorious chapters of Joseon history, was deposed in 1506 in a coup known as the Jungjong Restoration. Fact Demoted from king to the rank of a mere prince, his grave was only ever permitted the lesser designation of "myo" rather than a royal tomb. Fact The grave now in Banghak-dong was relocated here in 1512, after his deposed queen, Lady Sin (posthumously known as Lady Geochanggun-bu-in), petitioned King Jungjong for the reburial. Fact The grave was designated a national Historic Site in 1991. Fact

At the upper section of the site lies a twin burial mound for Yeonsangun and Lady Sin; below that is the grave of Lady Jo, a consort of King Taejong known as Uijeonggungju; and below that, the graves of Yeonsangun's son-in-law and daughter. Fact

What to look for on site

The difference in scale and formality between a royal tomb and a demoted grave
The twin burial mound shared by Yeonsangun and Lady Sin
The generational layout within the grave site

Precise phrasing

Avoid the phrase "the Royal Tomb of Yeonsangun." Since he was demoted from king to prince, the correct term is "the Grave of Yeonsangun."