Neungnae-ri Stone Chamber Tomb, Ganghwa

The Neungnae-ri Stone Chamber Tomb in Ganghwa is a tomb of royal scale from the Goryeo period. On either side in front of the tomb stand square stone pillars presumed to be mangjuseok, ornamental guardian pillars traditionally set before a tomb, with unidentifiable patterns carved in relief on three sides of each pillar. This tomb, known to be the burial place of a member of the Goryeo ruling class, had its stone chamber exposed by past looting, and as the need for its preservation and restoration was repeatedly raised, an excavation was carried out from late 2006 to early 2007. The interior of the stone chamber was built with well-dressed granite, and the mound structure, stone chamber and building site all survive in good condition, confirming the tomb as a typical example of the burial system of the Goryeo ruling class. The excavated relics, though small in quantity, were varied, including celadon fragments, various fragments of gold and silver ornaments, glass vessel fragments and beads, one Sangbu Wonbo coin, silver nails, and gold-foil-decorated coffin wood. A silver ornament piece depicting a phoenix head is especially notable for having been gilded only on the patterned areas, giving it a superior decorative effect. The phoenix motif has traditionally symbolised a queen, and the tomb is thought to belong to either Queen Seongpyeong, consort of King Huijong, or Queen Anhye, consort of King Gojong of Goryeo, both of whom died in Ganghwa during the period of resistance against the Mongol invasions but whose tombs had never been identified.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Ganghwa, Incheon

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물