Square Tomb in Gujeong-dong, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.27

Category

유적지

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 구정동 산41번지

Coordinates

35.778435, 129.296916

This is the square-based tomb of the Unified Silla located around Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju. The mound is encircled with a stone base where the 12 animals of Oriental zodiac in military uniform are carved in relief, with a stone pillar at each of the four corners. Each side consists of three layers of long stones topped by wider stone bars to prevent the earthen mound from sliding down. On the south side of the base is an entrance leading to a stone chamber containing a stone stand for a coffin. Though it has not been fully established as to who was buried in this tomb, it has been dated back to the Unified Silla Period (668-935) based on the sculptural techniques employed in the 12 Oriental zodiac images on the base, 3 on each side. The excavation work in 1920 unearthed many relics including gilt-bronze and silver ornaments. As the only square-based tomb in the Gyeongju area, it is of great importance especially to the study of Silla burial systems.

Location