GANGHWA COUNTY

Hongneung Royal Tomb, Ganghwa

This is tomb of King Gojong, the 23rd King of Goryeo. During the time of his enthronement to the king, the general Choi Chungheon exercised his power controling over the king and regime. He died in 1219, the 6th year of king Gojong(1219). Upon his death his son Choi Wu continually wielded the power over the king of no power and the nation. Kim Jun and Yu Kyeong killed Wu's grand children of which incident the king Gojong eventually gained the power back in his hands. During the time of Gojong on throne he experienced a lot of hardships over two enemy's invasions attacked by Geul-an forces (1216) and Mongolian in 1231. General Kim chiryeo and Jochung of Goryeo defeated them accordingly. One year after, they annihilated Mongolian forces king Gojong transferred the capital to Ganghwado opposing the Mongolian forces across the Ganghwa strait.

For the replacement of Chojo-daejanggyeong scripture which were burnt down with Daegu Buinsa temple in the Mongolian attacks, the great work of carving Palman-daejanggyeong Buddha scripture was performed for 16 years in the Ganghwa from 1236 to 1251. While Gojong was defending against continuous attacks of Mongolian forces, he sent prince Jeon to Mongolia as personal hostage in 1259. King Gojong passed away in the same year and was buried in this tomb.