Tomb of King Wonseong, Gyeongju

The tomb, set in a pine forest on the southern side of a low hill, is presumed to be that of King Wonseong (r. 785-798), the 38th ruler of Silla. King Wonseong's given name was Gyeongsin; as the twelfth-generation descendant of King Naemul he left many achievements, including the founding of the Dokseosampum-gwa, a new civil-service examination based on tested proficiency in reading the Confucian classics, and the enlargement of Byeokgolje Reservoir. Before the royal tomb was built there was originally a small pond on the site, and according to a popular tale the king's body was laid to rest on the surface of the pond without altering its shape - hence the tomb came to be called Gwaereung, the "Hanging Tomb." The tomb is a round earthen mound about 23m in diameter and about 6m high. Beneath the earth-covered mound is a ring of retaining stones set up to protect the tomb, carved with figures of the twelve zodiac spirits. Directly in front of the mound stands a rectangular stone offering table, and from a point about 80m further on, facing each other on either side, stand two pairs of stone lions, a pair of civil officials' stone statues, a pair of military officials' stone statues, and a pair of hwapyoseok, ornamental stone pillars marking the tomb. The carving of these stone objects is so dignified and meticulous that they are ranked among the finest examples of Silla sculpture; in particular, the vigorous military-official statue has a face resembling that of a person from the Western Regions, leading some to argue that it depicts a Persian. The burial system of King Wonseong's tomb was influenced by that of Tang China, but detailed features such as the twelve zodiac spirits arranged on the retaining stones are a uniquely Silla creation. The outstanding carving seen throughout the stonework well expresses the artistic level attained by the people of Silla. The official name of the site was changed from Gyeongju Gwaereung to Gyeongju Wonseongwangneung (Tomb of King Wonseong, Gyeongju) by notification of 28 July 2011.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Historic Site · 사적