Tomb of King Muyeol, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.20

Category

유적지

Era

신라(서기 661년경)

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 서악동 842번지

Coordinates

35.825152, 129.187877

This tomb with a huge round mound in the pine forest at the eastern foot of Seondosan Mountain is that of King Muyeol (654-661), the 29th ruler of Silla. Born Kim Chun-chu, he served his country with unrivaled political leadership and diplomatic talent when his country was fiercely struggling for hegemony against Baekje and Goguryeo. Aided by General Kim Yu-sin, he succeeded to the throne of Queen Jindeok. He defeated Baekje following an alliance with the Tang Dynasty of China, paving the way for the unification of the three kingdoms by defeating Goguryeo. This round earthen-mound has height of 13m and circumference of 112m. The base was reinforced with natural stones, with larger stones inserted randomly. Today, only the larger stones remain. This type of base structure is rather advanced compared with that of the old Silla period. In front of the tomb are a capstone and a stone tortoise pedestal that once supported a stele (National Treasure) for the king. This is the only royal tomb of Silla whose occupant we know of. The neighborhood of this tomb was kept in order from 1972 to 1973.

Location