Feng Shui Analysis of the Chojangji of Crown Prince Sado and Crown Prince Munhyo

This study aims to examine the geomantic characteristics as manifested in the chojangji(初葬地, initial burial sites) of Crown Prince Sado(思悼世子) and Crown Prince Munhyo(文孝世子). Following Crown Prince Sado’s tragic death, Yeongneung(寧陵) of Donggureung was initially considered for the burial site. However, due to opposition from the Noron(老論), the foothills of Baebongsan were chosen instead. Geomancers involved in the site selection unanimously asserted that the location was a myeongdang(明堂, an auspicious site), and King Jeongjo himself held the same view. However, the successive deaths of Crown Prince Munhyo and Royal Noble Consort Uibin Seong caused profound grief to King Jeongjo, leading him to believe that his father’s tomb was not, in fact, an auspicious site. At this juncture, Park Myeong-won cited the precedent in which, after the death of Crown Prince Hyojang(孝章世子)-the eldest son of King Yeongjo-the cheonjang(遷葬, relocation of a royal tomb) of King Injo’s royal tomb preceded the birth of Crown Prince Sado. On this basis, he suggested relocating Sado’s tomb. Accepting this proposal, King Jeongjo, perceiving the site as a hungji(凶地, an inauspicious site), had the tomb moved to Hwaseong in Suwon. When Crown Prince Munhyo died at the age of five, King Jeongjo’s desire to find and secure a myeongdang was greatly intensified. He mobilized numerous geomancers and commanded them to locate a gilji(吉地, a highly propitious site) for the burial. Consequently, the tombs of both Crown Prince Sado and Crown Prince Munhyo can be understood as having been selected and established under the king’s deep personal concern and active involvement.