Tomb of King Gyeongdeok, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.23

Category

유적지

Era

통일신라 (서기 765년경)

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 내남면 부지리 산8번지 덕천리 산7

Coordinates

35.762809, 129.187375

Located on a hill near Gyeongju, this is the royal tomb of King Gyeongdeok, the 35th King of the Silla Dynasty. King Gyeongdeok (742-765) is a son of King Seongdeok, and his name is Heonyeong. He eagerly promoted both commercial trade and cultural exchange with Tang China and initiated many administrative reforms. Note, however, that he is also remembered as the king after whose rule Silla's national economy and cultural level began to decline gradually. The tomb, which is in the form of a big mound, is encircled by stone on which the twelve animals of the Oriental zodiac are exquisitely carved in relief. In front of the tomb is a stone table used for ceremonial rituals. There is a stone fence made of 40 stone pillars surrounding the whole tomb structure. Although there is a stone monument decorated with panel design, no other stone works -- such as statues of lions, scholars, and generals -- were found in front of the tomb. Since the encircling stones and carvings of the 12 zodiac animals show the features of the later style, some historians doubt whether it is King Gyeongdeok's tomb.

Location