Stele of Yun Hyo-son, Gurye

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.584

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 중종 14년(1519년)

Designated year

1975

Location

구례군, 전라남도— 전남 구례군 산동면 이평리 산91-1번지

Coordinates

35.285478, 127.416625

Sindobi are steles inscribed with biographical information of a deceased person. These steles are usually placed in front of a grave. In Joseon, sindobi were erected for deceased court officials of rank two or higher who were noted for their lifetime accomplishments or scholarship, to set examples for future generations to follow. This stele belongs to Yun Hyo-son (1431-1503), a scholar-official of Joseon. Yun Hyo-son was admitted to government service in 1453 (the 1st year of King Danjong’s reign) through the civil service examination, and served successively as the Governor of Hwanghae-do, Hyeongjo Panseo (Justice Minister), Uchamjan (Vice Minister of the Right) and finally Jwachamjan (Vice Minister of the Left). During King Seongjong’s reign, he oversaw the publication of Gyeongguk daejeon (National Code) and wrote Oryeuiju (Five Rites). Yun Hyo-son died in 1503 (the 9th year of King Yeonsangun’s reign) and was awarded the posthumous title “Munhyo.” The stele is mounted on a tortoise-shaped base and has a head stone at the top. The front paws of the tortoise are bent inward, with the claws pointed down toward the lotus-sculpted support below, while in other tortoise stones, they are most often in the direction toward which the head is facing. The head stone features a highly realistically-sculpted dragon. The head stone is decorated with a round stone ornament at the top. The epigraph on the stele lists the lifetime accomplishments of Yun Hyo-son and praises his integrity and virtues. The inscription also includes the genealogy of his descendants. This stele was made in 1519 (the 14th year of King Jungjong’s reign). The text of the epigraph was composed by Sin Yong-gae and was inscribed by Sin Gong-je. The quality of the calligraphy is something of a regression compared to the Goryeo Period.

Location