Tomb of Kim Yu-sin, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.21

Category

유적지

Era

통일신라 문무왕13년(673)

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 충효동 산7-1번지 림

Coordinates

35.845141, 129.191472

Located at the eastern foot of Songhwasan Mountain, this is the tomb of General Kim Yu-sin, who made a significant contribution to the unification of the kingdoms of Baekje and Goguryeo under Silla. As a member of the order of Hwarang (Flower of Youth, an elite youth military corps), Kim Yu-sin (595-673) trained in martial arts. After he forged familial relations with Kim Chun-chu, later King Taejong Muyeol, his political influence began to grow. He led the military campaigns against Silla's rival kingdoms, Baekje and Goguryeo, scoring victories. He helped Kim Chun-chu ascend to the throne and assisted the king in unifying the three dynasties. After the unification of the Three Dynasties, he drove out the Tang forces and consequently unified all of the Korean Peninsula for the first time in its history. The diameter of the tomb is about 30m, and its base is strengthened by stone panels. In between the stone panels, adorning the retaining wall, are relief carvings of the 12 Oriental zodiac images dressed in civilian clothes and with weapons ready as the unique tradition of Silla tombs since the royal tomb of King Seongdeok. Stone railings surround this tomb. According to Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), General Kim was honored with the highest government office of Taedaegakgan; King Heungdeok, the 42nd king of Silla, posthumously made him the Great King Heungmu. Thus, his tomb was prepared and cared for as a royal tomb.

Location