Gyerim (Rooster Forest), Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.19

Category

유적지

Era

신라 탈해왕

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 교동 1번지

Coordinates

35.832225, 129.218357

This forest is the reputed birthplace of the legendary ancestor of Gyeongju Kim Clan, Kim Al-ji. According to legend, a man named Hogong found a golden box hanging from a tree and a white cock crowing beside it. Hogong reported it to King Talhae, who promptly came to the forest and opened the golden box to find an infant inside. This child was thought to be sent from heaven and was subsequently made the crown prince. Choosing an auspicious day, the King gave him the surname Kim, meaning gold because he had been found in a gold box, and the personal name Al-ji. The forest was renamed Gyerim (Chicken Forest) because a cock had announced the birth. Upon King Talhae's death, Al-ji surrendered his crown to Pasa, a member of the Park family who was deemed to be the rightful successor to the throne. It was not until the sixth descendant of Kim Al-ji ascended the throne to become the 13th ruler of Silla that a member of the Kim Clan became king. From the 17th ruler to the fall of the kingdom in 935, the nation was ruled mostly by descendants of Kim Al-ji. For this reason, this forest has been regarded as a holy place. The stele was erected in 1803 during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), recording the story of Kim Al-ji's birth.

Location