Tumuli Park | Gyeongju

Tumuli Park, also known as the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, is an iconic archaeological site located in Gyeongju, South Korea. The park is home to some of the most significant royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty (57 BCE – 935 CE). This site is an important part of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical Significance of Tumuli Park

• Silla Dynasty Tombs: Tumuli Park is one of the largest burial grounds from the Silla Dynasty, housing royal tombs that date back to the 5th and 6th centuries CE. The tombs are significant because they represent the burial practices, rituals, and beliefs of the Silla elite and royal families.
• Cultural Insight: The tombs provide valuable insight into the material culture of the Silla period, as archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of grave goods such as gold crowns, jewelry, pottery, and weapons. These items reflect the wealth, status, and religious beliefs of those buried in the tombs.

Key Features of Tumuli Park

Tomb Mounds (Tumuli):

• The most defining feature of Tumuli Park is its mounds, which are large earthen burial mounds covering the tombs of the Silla aristocracy and royalty. There are over 20 burial mounds in the park, some of which are very large, reaching up to 20 meters (66 feet) in height.
• These tomb mounds were created using soil and stones, and each one covers a stone burial chamber where the deceased's body, along with valuable objects for the afterlife, was placed.
• The tombs range in size, with the largest ones being reserved for kings and high-ranking individuals of the royal court.

Cheonmachong Tomb (Heavenly Horse Tomb):

• One of the most famous and well-known tombs in Tumuli Park is Cheonmachong, also known as the Heavenly Horse Tomb. It is famous for the horse-related artifacts found inside the tomb, including a celestial horse figure and decorative horse gear.
• The tomb was discovered in 1973 and is believed to have belonged to a Silla king or a high-ranking noble. The grave goods found inside included golden crowns, jewelry, pottery, and weapons, offering a glimpse into the material wealth and high status of the individual buried there.
• The celestial horse symbol found inside the tomb is particularly significant, as it reflects the importance of horses in Silla culture, especially in the royal court, and their believed role in the afterlife.

Other Notable Tombs:

• Tomb of King Michu: This tomb is believed to be the resting place of King Michu, who reigned from 262 to 284 CE. The exact contents of the tomb have not been fully excavated, but it is one of the important tombs in Tumuli Park.
• There are several smaller tombs scattered throughout Tumuli Park, likely belonging to nobles or officials of the Silla Dynasty. These tombs also contain valuable grave goods, which provide further insight into the elite class of Silla society.

Archaeological Discoveries:

• Excavations at Tumuli Park have uncovered a range of artifacts, including gold crowns, weapons, pottery, mirrors, and ceramics. These items were believed to have been placed in the tombs to assist the deceased in the afterlife.
• The golden crowns and jewelry are particularly important because they are not only artistic masterpieces but also reflect the status and power of the individuals buried in the tombs. Some of the crowns feature intricate designs with gold wires, jade ornaments, and precious stones, which demonstrate the craftsmanship of the time.

Tomb Construction and Architecture:

• The tombs in Tumuli Park are constructed with a combination of stone chambers and earthen mounds. The burial chambers were usually made of stone and designed to protect the body and grave goods from both natural and supernatural threats.
• The tomb mounds are typically round and symmetrical, symbolizing the Silla belief in the harmony between heaven and earth. The tomb's construction also indicates the high level of engineering and craftsmanship achieved during the Silla Dynasty.

Tumuli Park's Role in Silla Society:

• The tombs in Tumuli Park reflect the hierarchical structure of Silla society. The largest tombs, with the richest grave goods, were reserved for kings and high-ranking officials, while smaller tombs were for noble families and elite figures.
• These tombs served as both funerary sites and spiritual sanctuaries, reflecting the Silla people's belief in an afterlife. They were built with the purpose of ensuring the deceased's safe passage to the afterlife and providing them with all the tools and treasures needed for eternity.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

• The tombs are also symbolic of the Silla Dynasty's power and its wealth. They stand as a testament to the dynasty's ability to gather resources, organize labor, and showcase its cultural achievements.
• The rituals associated with the tombs, such as ancestor worship, were an essential part of Silla society. The belief in the afterlife and the role of ancestral spirits was central to their religious and cultural practices.

Tumuli Park Today

• Tourism: Tumuli Park is a popular tourist destination for those interested in learning about ancient Korean history, the Silla Dynasty, and the burial customs of the time. Visitors can walk around the park and explore the tomb mounds, some of which are open for viewing or even entry, offering a deeper understanding of the burial process.
• Education: The park is an educational site for those interested in archaeology and historical preservation. The Gyeongju National Museum houses many of the artifacts uncovered at the park, including pieces from Cheonmachong Tomb, offering visitors a closer look at the cultural heritage of the Silla Dynasty.
• Preservation: The tombs and their contents are carefully preserved to maintain their historical integrity. The site is protected as part of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from these important cultural relics.

Final Thoughts

Tumuli Park (Daereungwon Tomb Complex) is one of the most significant archaeological and cultural sites in South Korea, offering a glimpse into the royal and elite life of the Silla Dynasty. The park’s ancient burial mounds, particularly the Cheonmachong Tomb, provide invaluable information about the social, religious, and cultural practices of this once-powerful kingdom. Today, Tumuli Park stands as a testament to the legacy of the Silla people and continues to be an essential site for those seeking to understand Korea's ancient history.