Tomb of King Sinmun, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.181

Category

유적지

Era

통일신라 신문왕(692년경)

Designated year

1969

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 배반동 453-1번지

Coordinates

35.817831, 129.246198

This is the tomb where King Sinmun, the 31st king of Silla, is buried. During his reign from 681 to 692, he, as the son of King Munmu, one of the highly respected kings of Silla, succeeded in strengthening the absolute monarch's authority with the successful oppression of the revolt initiated by the aristocracy. Another accomplishment of his is the establishment of the national educational institute. To govern the country, he improved the local administrative district and divided the entire state into 9 provinces. For the minor ethnic groups to be incorporated into the main group, he absorbed the minor groups -- such as those from Goguryeo, Baekje, and Malgal -- into the military. Overall, he made a distinctive accomplishment in establishing the absolute monarchy's authority. This is a circle ground mound with height of 7.6 m and diameter of 29.3 m. Stone circles placed in five layers like bricks and 44 triangular stays around the stone circle give the tomb a strong look. According to the history book Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), the funeral for the king was performed on the east of Nangsan Mountain. Therefore, some believe that another royal tomb where King Sinmun is actually buried is practically destroyed at the bottom of the ruins of Hwangboksa Temple, which has the images of the twelve zodiac animal deities.

Location