Analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of Hanyang during the early Joseon dynasty

During the Joseon Dynasty, the construction process of Hanyang (漢陽) underwent multiple cycles of suspension and resumption. While previous studies have often interpreted Hanyang as a city shaped by geographical specificity influenced by Confucianism and feng shui order, this study emphasizes how the...

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Main Author: Su-In Jeong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2024.2337016
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author Su-In Jeong
author_facet Su-In Jeong
author_sort Su-In Jeong
collection DOAJ
description During the Joseon Dynasty, the construction process of Hanyang (漢陽) underwent multiple cycles of suspension and resumption. While previous studies have often interpreted Hanyang as a city shaped by geographical specificity influenced by Confucianism and feng shui order, this study emphasizes how the initial urban plans diverged during the latter phases, highlighting how the trajectory of city planning evolved based on changing circumstances and conditions. This study employs an analytical approach to trace the evolution and adoption of the purpose behind the urban planning of Hanyang during the early Joseon Dynasty, focusing on the fact that facilities embodying the ideology and purpose of urban development are placed within the city center. Consequently, symbolic centers such as Gyeongbokgung Palace (景福宮), Jongmyo Shrine(宗廟), and Sajik Alter (社稷壇) were established following “Joorye (周禮),” “Gogonggi (考工記),” and feng shui order in Hanyang. However, geographical influences led to partial alterations in the plans, resulting in a curved and modified north-south axis. The development of Hanyang initially prioritized major internal facilities and roads; then it focused on the expansion of the city’s external territorial boundaries. This process, however, resulted in a lack of connection between the city center and its external boundaries. Subsequently, adjustments were made to the urban structure and connectivity by closing and relocating certain city gates. The construction of the Fortress Wall of Hanyang further fortified internal solidarity. The (former) Jongru Bell Tower was positioned at the center, surrounded by a market to enhance visual and spatial centrality. Following the reorganization of the road structures upon King Taejo’s reign, the Jongru Bell Tower’s location shifted to the intersection of the main arterial roads. This adjustment aimed to combine both mobile and spatial centrality. The Jongru Intersection, featuring a large pavilion, was constructed to reinforce its function as an intersection; citizens of Hanyang could thereby recognize this as its city center. The city center of Hanyang underwent transformations over different periods, considering its symbolism, geography, and transportation. In sum, Hanyang was initially constructed in adherence to feng shui and Confucian thought; then, urban development placed a focus on geographical centrality once the city territory was confirmed. Later, as roads were reorganized, centrality shifted towards crucial transportation points.
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spelling doaj-art-c122199f7eb04e4b9eecc90b420eaa0c2025-08-20T02:58:41ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering1347-28522025-05-012431077109310.1080/13467581.2024.23370162337016Analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of Hanyang during the early Joseon dynastySu-In Jeong0Seoul Museum of HistoryDuring the Joseon Dynasty, the construction process of Hanyang (漢陽) underwent multiple cycles of suspension and resumption. While previous studies have often interpreted Hanyang as a city shaped by geographical specificity influenced by Confucianism and feng shui order, this study emphasizes how the initial urban plans diverged during the latter phases, highlighting how the trajectory of city planning evolved based on changing circumstances and conditions. This study employs an analytical approach to trace the evolution and adoption of the purpose behind the urban planning of Hanyang during the early Joseon Dynasty, focusing on the fact that facilities embodying the ideology and purpose of urban development are placed within the city center. Consequently, symbolic centers such as Gyeongbokgung Palace (景福宮), Jongmyo Shrine(宗廟), and Sajik Alter (社稷壇) were established following “Joorye (周禮),” “Gogonggi (考工記),” and feng shui order in Hanyang. However, geographical influences led to partial alterations in the plans, resulting in a curved and modified north-south axis. The development of Hanyang initially prioritized major internal facilities and roads; then it focused on the expansion of the city’s external territorial boundaries. This process, however, resulted in a lack of connection between the city center and its external boundaries. Subsequently, adjustments were made to the urban structure and connectivity by closing and relocating certain city gates. The construction of the Fortress Wall of Hanyang further fortified internal solidarity. The (former) Jongru Bell Tower was positioned at the center, surrounded by a market to enhance visual and spatial centrality. Following the reorganization of the road structures upon King Taejo’s reign, the Jongru Bell Tower’s location shifted to the intersection of the main arterial roads. This adjustment aimed to combine both mobile and spatial centrality. The Jongru Intersection, featuring a large pavilion, was constructed to reinforce its function as an intersection; citizens of Hanyang could thereby recognize this as its city center. The city center of Hanyang underwent transformations over different periods, considering its symbolism, geography, and transportation. In sum, Hanyang was initially constructed in adherence to feng shui and Confucian thought; then, urban development placed a focus on geographical centrality once the city territory was confirmed. Later, as roads were reorganized, centrality shifted towards crucial transportation points.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2024.2337016hanyangjongru bell towerkao gong ji of zhou lifeng shuiurban planning
spellingShingle Su-In Jeong
Analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of Hanyang during the early Joseon dynasty
Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
hanyang
jongru bell tower
kao gong ji of zhou li
feng shui
urban planning
title Analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of Hanyang during the early Joseon dynasty
title_full Analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of Hanyang during the early Joseon dynasty
title_fullStr Analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of Hanyang during the early Joseon dynasty
title_full_unstemmed Analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of Hanyang during the early Joseon dynasty
title_short Analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of Hanyang during the early Joseon dynasty
title_sort analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of hanyang during the early joseon dynasty
topic hanyang
jongru bell tower
kao gong ji of zhou li
feng shui
urban planning
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2024.2337016
work_keys_str_mv AT suinjeong analysisofthepurposebehindurbanplanninginaccordancewiththeshiftsinthecentralityofhanyangduringtheearlyjoseondynasty