Gyeongju Gyeongaewang Royal Tomb

About this place

This is the tomb of Gyeongae, the 55th king of Silla (r. 924–927). King Gyeongae was the second son of King Sindeok and the younger brother of King Gyeongmyeong; he ascended the throne following Gyeongmyeong. He sent troops to assist Goryeo when Wang Geon was subjugating Later Baekje. In 927, while holding a memorial ceremony and banquet at Poseokjeong Pavilion, he was surprised by Gyeon Hwon of Later Baekje who had attacked the site, was captured, and ended his life. The tomb lies inside a pine forest at the entrance of Samneung Valley. Some stone materials that appear to be surrounding stones are partially exposed along the perimeter of the tomb. No excavation has been conducted, but the internal structure is presumed to be a corridor-type stone chamber tomb.