Daereungwon Tomb Complex | Gyeongju

The Daereungwon Tomb Complex (also known as Tumuli Park) is one of the most important archaeological sites in Gyeongju, South Korea. It houses a collection of tombs from the Silla Dynasty, specifically from the early to late periods (around the 5th to 6th centuries). This complex offers insight into the burial customs, royal family, and the cultural practices of ancient Korea.

Here’s a detailed exploration of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex:

Historical Significance

• The Silla Dynasty (57 BCE – 935 CE) was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea and ruled over the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula, with its capital in Gyeongju. The Daereungwon Tomb Complex is a royal burial site, containing the tombs of various Silla kings, nobles, and other high-ranking individuals from the Silla period.
• The tombs are key examples of Silla funerary practices and provide a glimpse into the society’s hierarchy, religious beliefs, and the importance of the afterlife in royal culture.

Tombs and Structures

The complex features large burial mounds, often referred to as tumuli (meaning burial mounds in Latin). There are over 23 tombs in the Daereungwon complex, some of which are notably large and well-preserved.

Cheonmachong Tomb (Heavenly Horse Tomb):

• This is one of the most famous tombs in Daereungwon and dates back to the 5th century.
• The tomb is known for the discovery of a horse-shaped figure on the lid of a stone coffin. The figure is adorned with intricate decorations, including a celestial horse that has become a symbol of the tomb.
• Inside the tomb, archaeologists discovered a wealth of golden crowns, jewelry, pottery, and weapons, providing invaluable insight into the wealth and status of the person buried here. The celestial horse is a symbolic representation of the importance of horses in Silla culture and their belief in an afterlife.

The Tomb of King Michu:

• This tomb is believed to belong to King Michu, who reigned from 262 to 284 CE.
• His tomb, like others in Daereungwon, is a large burial mound. However, it has not been excavated to the same extent as others, so detailed findings are more limited.

Other Tombs:

• Various smaller tombs within the complex were likely for high-ranking nobles or individuals associated with the royal court. These tombs also contain valuable artifacts like ceramics, gold, and weapons that suggest the deceased had high status.
• Some of the tombs have been excavated and restored, allowing visitors to explore the burial sites and see the artifacts that were discovered inside.

Architectural Features

• Tomb Mounds: The tombs in Daereungwon are earth mounds, each built over a stone or wooden structure that housed the coffin of the deceased. The mounds vary in size, but some are quite large, suggesting the prominence of those buried within.
  • Mound Shape: The tomb mounds have a characteristic round shape, with some being as tall as 20 meters (66 feet) and spanning 50 meters (164 feet) in diameter.
  • Stone Coffins and Chambers: The burial chambers often contained stone coffins with intricate carvings, meant to protect the deceased in the afterlife.
• Guard Stones and Relics: Some tombs contain stone statues or guard stones that were placed at the entrance to the tomb. These are believed to have served as protection for the soul of the deceased, ensuring safety from evil spirits.

Cultural Significance

• Funerary Customs and Beliefs: The tombs in Daereungwon reflect the belief in an afterlife, with elaborate burial goods, including gold crowns, earrings, weapons, horse gear, and jewelry. These items were believed to serve the deceased in the afterlife.
  • Horse Burial: The importance of horses in Silla society is evident from the horse-related artifacts found in the tombs, like the celestial horse sculpture. Horses were seen as symbols of nobility and were often buried with royals to accompany them in the afterlife.
• Silla Royalty and Elite Society: The tomb complex provides insights into the society of the Silla Dynasty, particularly its royal family and elite class. The size of the tombs and the wealth of grave goods signal the high status of those buried in Daereungwon, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Silla society.

Archaeological Findings

• The excavations at Daereungwon have revealed tremendous wealth in the form of gold artifacts, pottery, bronze mirrors, weapons, and textiles.
• Some of the most notable finds include:
  • Gold Crowns and Jewelry: These are some of the most famous and valuable artifacts from the tombs. The gold crowns, intricately decorated with jewels, symbolize the royal status of the deceased.
  • Silla Pottery: Numerous Silla-style ceramics were discovered, including bowls, dishes, and storage jars. These pottery pieces often have simple yet elegant designs.
  • Weapons and Tools: Various weapons, including swords, daggers, and spears, were found, indicating the warrior culture of the time.

Modern-Day Importance

• The Daereungwon Tomb Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Historic Areas of Gyeongju, which highlights the significance of the site for understanding ancient Korean culture and the Silla Dynasty.
• Tourism and Education: Today, the site is an important tourist destination and provides visitors with a chance to learn about the Silla Dynasty. The tombs are often presented with interpretive displays and models that help visitors understand the historical context of the site and the significance of the tombs and their contents.
• The Cheonmachong Tomb is particularly popular, as the artifacts found there, including the golden horse saddle and other treasures, are on display at the nearby Gyeongju National Museum.

Final Thoughts

The Daereungwon Tomb Complex is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Korea, offering an incredibly detailed glimpse into the world of the Silla Dynasty’s royal family and their funerary practices. The tombs not only showcase the wealth and artistic achievements of the time but also shed light on the Silla people’s beliefs in the afterlife and their social structure.

The complex remains an essential part of Korea's cultural heritage, allowing modern audiences to connect with the distant past.