Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Cheonmachong Tomb)

Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Cheonmachong Tomb)

Overlooking the city of Gyeongju, the most eye-catching sights are the towering ancient tombs. Cycling or walking to these massive burial mounds allows you to experience the magical coexistence of modernity and antiquity. Covering an area of 120,000 pyeong, this tomb complex is the burial site of kings and nobles from the Silla Dynasty (57 BC–935 AD). The park now contains 23 large tombs, and if you include those underground and not visible, the number exceeds 200. The most famous tombs in the complex are Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb) and Hwangnamdaechong. Cheonmachong was excavated in 1970 and named for the image of a heavenly horse painted on a saddle flap unearthed there. As the only piece of surviving artwork from the ancient Silla period over 1,500 years ago, it is particularly remarkable and is also the only tomb in the complex open to the public. Its interior has been turned into a museum displaying 11,526 artifacts, including a restored royal crown that offers a glimpse into the luxurious life of the deceased king. Another must-see tomb is Hwangnamdaechong, the largest in the complex. As a joint burial site for a king and queen, over 30,000 artifacts and gold funerary objects were discovered here. What makes Hwangnamdaechong unique is that the queen’s tomb yielded higher-quality items than the king’s—not because women held higher status than men in Silla society, but as a true reflection of the elevated position of women at the time. This is also evident in the Hwarang system of the Silla era, an elite youth military and educational corps whose initial leaders were female, highlighting the respected status of women. The Hwarang system later became a driving force behind Silla’s unification of the Three Kingdoms. A stroll among these historic tombs is like taking a journey back over 1,500 years.

Transportation 1. On Foot 1) Facing away from Gyeongju Station, walk left for about 7 minutes to a T-junction. Turn right at the junction and continue for about 10 minutes; the site is on the left. 2) Facing away from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, walk left for 15 minutes; the site is on the right. 2. Bus Take bus 70 from in front of Gyeongju Train Station or Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal and get off at the Daereungwon stop. (Every 10 minutes / 10-minute ride) 3. Taxi Take a taxi from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal; it takes about 5 minutes (1.5 km distance).

Details 1. Inquiry: National Park Historical Site Management Office +82-54-772-3632 (Korean) 2. Opening Hours: Year-round, 09:00 – 22:00 3. Closed: None 4. Admission Fees Category | Adults (19+) | Teens (13–18) | Children (7–12) Individual | 1,500 KRW | 700 KRW | 600 KRW Group (30+ people) | 1,200 KRW | 600 KRW | 500 KRW * Group rate applies for 30 or more people ** Free admission for seniors aged 65+ and children under 6

Location: 6-1, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Ticket Price: 1,500

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 22:00

South Korea, Gyeongju