Tomb of King Muryeong and Royal

Overview

The Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri contain the graves of the kings and royal families from the Woongjin period of the Baekje Dynasty. Among the seven discovered tombs, the Tomb of King Muryeong (the 7th tomb) is the most significant. It was found perfectly intact in 1971, providing a "time capsule" of Baekje's brilliant culture and its active international exchanges with China and Japan.

History

Discovered accidentally during drainage work, the Tomb of King Muryeong is a rare example of a brick-chamber tomb, influenced by the Southern Dynasties of China. It is the only royal tomb from the Three Kingdoms period where the identity of the occupant and the exact burial date are known, thanks to inscribed purchase-of-land stones found inside. Over 4,600 artifacts were excavated, 12 of which are designated as National Treasures.

Things to see

• The **Model Exhibition Hall**: Since the actual tombs are sealed for preservation, this hall features life-sized replicas of Tombs No. 5, 6, and the Tomb of King Muryeong, allowing visitors to experience the interior architecture.

• The **Brick-chamber Architecture**: Marvel at the intricate lotus-patterned bricks and the arched ceilings that showcase advanced engineering from 1,500 years ago.

• The **Pine Forest Path**: A peaceful trail connecting the tombs, offering a scenic view of the surrounding hills and the Geumgang River.

Things to do

• **Cultural Heritage Commentary**: Join the free hourly guided tours (09:00–16:00) to hear the fascinating stories behind the discovery and the artifacts.

• **Ungjin Baekje Historical Museum**: Visit the nearby digital museum to learn about the history of the Baekje capital through interactive media and 3D displays.

• **Visit the National Gongju Museum**: Located within walking distance, it houses the original National Treasures excavated from the tomb, including the gold diadem ornaments and stone guardian beast.