Gyeongju Tomb of King Hyoso

About this place

This is the tomb of the 32nd king of Silla, King Hyoso (r. 692–702). The eldest son of King Sinmun (r. 681–692), he ascended the throne at the age of six, with his mother Queen Sinmok serving as regent for eight years. During his reign the court administration was reorganized and a medical educational institution (uihak) was established. Many fortresses were built to reclaim former Goguryeo territory, and markets were opened in the capital to facilitate commerce. After his death, he was buried east of Mangdeoksa Temple. This mound is located on the southwest slope of Hyeongjae Peak, southeast of the city. About 100 m to the east stands the tomb of his younger brother, King Seongdeok. The mound is 4.3 m high and 10.3 m in diameter, a circular earthen burial mound. A ring-stone of natural stones runs around its base, though only a few remain. The mound has no decoration and carries only a spirit-seat stone (honyuseok).