Spatial Patterns and Historical Transformation of Taesil- and Taebong-Related Place Names in the Joseon Dynasty

This study examines taesil-related toponyms as intangible cultural heritage that spatially represent the authority and sanctity of the Joseon Dynasty. Place names such as Taebong, Taesilgol, and Taebongsan preserve collective memory and function as cultural markers linking royal rituals with local identity. Using a historical-cultural geographical approach, the study investigates how these toponyms have been transmitted and what cultural value they hold today. A total of 114 official, unofficial, and administrative place names containing “tae” (胎), “bong” (峰), and “sil” (室) were extracted from the National Geographic Information Institute database and the Joseon Basic Map, and analyzed using Historical GIS (HGIS). The analysis shows that these toponyms are concentrated in mountainous regions of Chungcheong, Gyeonggi, and Gyeongsang provinces, reflecting geomantic site selection, Confucian spatial thought, and historical shifts in taesil practices. The spatial localization of royal taesil sites played a key role in shaping local toponyms, functioning as symbolic instruments of royal power. This study argues that such toponyms are cultural texts containing historical memory and highlights the need for institutional preservation, heritage recognition, and digital archiving.