Joseon Royal Court Culture: Ceremonial and Daily Life

by Myung-ho Shin

From This book is the culmination of exhaustive research on diverse primary sources that provide a rare look at how the Joseon Dynasty kings and queens actually lived. (Joseon 1392-1910) Author Shin Myung-ho explains that Joseon Dynasty monarchs were supposed to follow very strict orthodox neo-Confucian precepts that, for example, the ruler should lead an exemplary life in order to project civilizing influences on society. In addition, the neo-Confucian hierarchical system was such that the Joseon kings were ritually subordinate to the Chinese emperors. Interestingly, the Chinese recognized Joseon as the state of propriety in East Asia (dongbang yeuijiguk)- and the Joseon elite, including the royal family, were proud of this acknowledgement. Readers can surmise that the civilizing influence practiced by the Joseon royal family had a stabilizing effect and enabled the Yi dynastic family to sustain power for more than 500 years.

This book is divided into seven "The King's Governing Symbol of Absolute Power"; "The Role and Life of the the 'State Mother'"; "The Life of the Royal Family"; "The Palatial Residences"; "Customs Related to the Deaths of Kings and Queens"; "Palace rites to Ancestral Spirits"; and "Tradition of Historiography for the Joseon Kings and Royal Family."

This book also cites hundreds of pages of valuable documents, including those related to the four ceremonial rites of passage that are still practiced in contemporary Korean coming-of-age, marriage, funeral, and ancestor worship. The influence is perhaps stronger in present-day North Korea, rather than the South, which is possible because the North has remained as isolated as the hermit kingdom of a century ago. Even today, North Korea still prefers to refer to their state as "Joseon."

Most of the key concepts discussed here are included as part of an extensive glossary of Chinese character terms. With its comprehensive look at royal court life during the Joseon dynasty, this book is a valuable addition to the field of Korean studies.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

307 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love history, but most particularly ancient Asian history (because I honestly don't hear enough about it). Royalty is always fun to learn about because it says a lot about a nation's cultures and values.
This book which I acquired on a trip to Korea is a virtual goldmine for anyone out there looking for a cool crash course on Korean Joeson court life and a sneak peak into the beautiful intricacies of its ancient culture.
The pictures are all well placed and helpful to those seeking to increase your knowledge with effective visuals.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offers extremely interesting information on Joseon royal court culture. A must read for those interested in ancient Korean history, particularly if you're unable to access sources in Korean.

A pity they didn't go into the rankings of concubines and lower levels of palace ladies, because that was what I was actually after.

[Hilary Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding resource for the study of everyday life inside the palaces of Joseon. Everything from the intricacies of symbolism in the various ceremonies to the practical particulars of the king's morning. My only quibble is the occasional typo or incorrect word. Though I understand that this work was probably translated into English not by professional translators but by the ones who wrote it — and I'm beyond grateful — so I'm inclined not to complain too much.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is highly recommended for all sageuk addicts. Truly, everything you need to know about the Joseon dynasty of Korea seeps in the pages of this book.

[C. Adam Volle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a dry package covering all the basics.

[Sado]

ı like it