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