Okjeon Tumuli, Hapcheon

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.326

Category

유적지

Era

4c~6c

Designated year

1988

Location

합천군, 경상남도— 경남 합천군 쌍책면 성산리 산23-18번지

Coordinates

35.581705, 128.279599

As a group of tombs in the Age of Gaya Dynasty, it is located on the hill on the side of Hwanggang River as a tributary stream of Nakdonggang River in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do. The total number of tombs is estimated to be about 1,000, 18 -- whose diameter measures 20 - 30m – of which are crowded in one area. So many types of tombs such as wooden chamber tomb, pit-style, stone-lined tomb, and horizontal entrance stone chamber tomb and stone chamber tomb with tunnel entrances were investigated and excavated. In addition, earthenware, iron weapon, armor, horse gear, and ornaments were discovered. In the case of ornaments, the earrings and necklace had outstanding workmanship comparable to that of the Ages of Baekje and Silla. Over 2,000 beads were discovered in Tomb M2 at a time, and jade ornaments were also excavated, serving as evidence of the direct processing of beads. The official cap discovered at Tomb No. 23 has a gold and bronze bar on its top, which is a very rare case in our country; thus, it is evaluated as a precious source of knowledge. Among the weapons, a sword with ring pommel was excavated. Tomb M3 in particular had four swords with ring pommel with phoenix and dragon designs, the symbols of the highest ruler; it is the first time that so many swords were discovered. Those with inlaid ornament following the old style were discovered at Tomb No. 35, serving as material for determining the origin of the sword with ring pommel. A total of 13 helmets were discovered; among those excavated from Tomb No. A were magnificent items made of gold, serving as important material that can be connected with the helmet of Nongorisanseong Fortress in Pyeonganbuk-do in the Age of Goguryeo. The method of connecting the plate of the helmet varies depending on the age; thus, it is regarded as a good source of data revealing the change of forging techniques. Five armors symbolizing power as the highest dominator were discovered as well. Among them, the iron armor discovered at Tomb No. 68 is a rare armor because the style of the armor has been discovered only at the Ancient Tombs in Bokcheon-dong. This serves as important material for researching on the armor of both countries including the Japanese armor of the early 5th century in the ancient times. The horse helmets play a decisive role in explaining the characteristics of the tomb culture. Only the two works were excavated at the Ancient Tombs in Bokcheon-dong and in Japan in East Asia and one in other areas, but five works were excavated at the Ancient Tombs in Okjeon; thus showing the position of this tomb. The flag holder, which was excavated only at the tomb of the highest ruler in each area, and two works were excavated from Tomb M3. They are considered basic sources of data for understanding the spread and influence of Goguryeo culture. Tomb M3 had about 130 axes (cast iron) placed under the coffin, whereas Tomb No. 28 had swords piled under the coffin to show the wealth and power of the buried person as its unique and special characteristics. Based on the change of tomb type through the comparative period determination of this tomb group, the construction date of the tombs ranges from approximately 4th to the early 6th century. The tombs in Okjeon consist of the ruler's tomb in the age of Gaya Dynasty, almost covering the relics discovered at the tomb of the high-class ruler in our country such as swords with ring pommel with phoenix and dragon designs, iron armor, gold and bronze helmet, and iron horse helmet. It is evaluated as precious sources of knowledge showing the essence of the Gaya Dynasty and tomb culture in our country. In addition, it is closely connected with the culture of Goguryeo and is an important material for researching the situation of the Three Kingdoms Period and the culture of East Asia including Japan.

Location