The Discovery of King Muryeong's Tomb: 2900 Intact Artefacts Found Despite Thousands of Years

Kapanlagi.com - King Muryeong's tomb is one of the world's heritage sites that has been discovered. King Muryeong was the 25th king of the Baekje kingdom, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He ruled from 501-523.

As quoted from the Voluntary Agency of Network Korea (VANK), he made his best efforts to restore stability and the economy. He implemented many political reforms and actively engaged in trade with other countries, such as China and Japan.

King Muryeong's tomb is the only royal tomb from the Three Kingdoms Period that has been identified. How was King Muryeong's tomb discovered?

1. Form of King Muryeong's Tomb

King Muryeong's Royal Tomb © visitkorea.or.id

King Muryeong's tomb is built from a stack of brick. Its distinctive brick chamber reveals the cultural exchange between Baekje and South China. This chamber is constructed with rectangular bricks stacked in four rows and one column. The walls of the bricks are adorned with intricate lotus flowers.

The ceiling is made of trapezoidal-shaped bricks. The bricks also have inscriptions to mark the location. Additionally, the ceramics and Chinese coffins made from Japanese umbrella tree in the tomb are another indication of Baekje's openness and international trade.

2. 2900 Pieces of Artifacts Found

Ancient Tomb Exhibition (left) & Relics at Gongju National Museum (right) © visitkorea.or.id

According to the history described in KBS World, King Muryeong's Baekje tomb was discovered in 1971 during the repair of another tomb's drainage system. The memorial inscription at the entrance indicates that the tomb was built for King Muryeong and his queen. This is very rare as not many ancient tombs can be identified.

King Muryeong and his queen were buried together, along with over 2900 excavated artifacts, including the king and queen's crown ornaments, golden coffins, a large sword with dragon and phoenix decorations, silver bracelets with detailed engravings, and other accessories. And uniquely, the tomb remains intact. The tomb's artifacts can provide insights into Baekje's international relations at that time. There are 17 items that have been designated as Cultural Heritage Sites.

As quoted from visitkorea.or.id, the excavated tombs are now closed for preservation, but the interior of Tomb No. 6 and King Muryeong's Royal Tomb have been reconstructed and made accessible to visitors.

(kpl/mit)