Tomb of King Jinpyeong, Gyeongju

About this place

This is the tomb of Jinpyeong, the 26th king of Silla (r. 579–632). To consolidate his independent royal authority, Jinpyeong established new central administrative departments. He also managed relations with the Sui and Tang dynasties of China to effectively repel invasions by Baekje and Goguryeo, and restored Myeonghwal Fortress in Gyeongju to strengthen defences of the capital. The circular earthen mound is 7.9 m high and 36.4 m in diameter. A ring of natural stones encircles the base of the mound, though only a few remain today. Its scale clearly marks it as a royal tomb, and its position in an open plain is particularly distinctive.