Tomb of King Seongdeok, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.28

Category

유적지

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 조양동 산8번지

Coordinates

35.787106, 129.281121

King Seongdeok (702-737), the second son of King Sinmun, ascended the throne to become the 33rd ruler of the Silla Dynasty. His rule ushered in the florescence of the Silla Dynasty after the unification of the peninsula. Strengthening diplomatic ties with China's Tang dynasty, he built up Silla's military strength and stabilized the nation. Silla's culture came of age during his reign, and the skill of Silla artisans is evident in the bronze memorial bell made in his honor several years after his death. Surrounding the base of the circular earthen mound are stone slabs supported by triangular stones. In between the slabs are stone statues of the 12 animals of the Oriental zodiac in combat uniforms and stone pillars supporting the banisters enclosing the tomb. Four stone lions flank the tomb as guardians; to the south of the tomb is a stone table flanked by two stone bowing figures. Around the tomb are a few more stone statues that were heavily damaged. Many consider this to be one of the most complete royal tombs among those in the Unified Silla Era.

Location