Ancient Tombs in Bukjeong-ri, Yangsan

These are tombs located across the ridge that forms the centre of Seonghwangsan Mountain. The large tombs are spread over the upper part of the mountain, while the small tombs are situated on the slopes or at the foot of the mountain; this distribution shows that the location of tombs differed according to period. Among the tombs, Bubuchong Tomb and Geumjochong Tomb were surveyed in 1920, and in 1990 an excavation was carried out to confirm their internal structure. The investigation revealed that all the tombs in this area are stone-chamber tombs with an open front (hoenggusik seokssilbun), in which the front of the stone chamber housing the coffin was left open. Bubuchong Tomb and Geumjochong Tomb are both of this open-front stone-chamber type. Bubuchong Tomb is a large tomb situated in the upper part of the mountain, its interior walls and ceiling decorated with white paint. Geumjochong Tomb, by contrast, is a small tomb situated on the mountain slope; the difference in the location and form of the tombs appears to be closely related to the status of their occupants. The splendid artefacts excavated from the two tombs, including gilt-bronze crowns and gold ornaments, are similar to those found in the large tombs of the Gyeongju region. In the case of Bubuchong Tomb, it appears that the husband died first, in the mid-fifth century, and the tomb was built for him, after which the wife died in the late fifth century and was buried together with him in an added burial. The occupant of Geumjochong Tomb appears to have died in the late fifth or early sixth century. Judging from the excavated artefacts, the occupants of the tombs are presumed to have been closely connected with the central government of Silla, or to have been their kin.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yangsan, Gyeongnam

Designation

Historic Site · 사적