Yeongju Sunheung Eosuk Tomb (Mural Tomb)

About this place

Located on the southwestern slope of Bibong Mountain, this Silla mural tomb was investigated by the Ewha Womans University Museum in 1971. It is a circular earthen mound tomb with a diameter of 16 m; severe damage makes it impossible to determine its original height. Natural stones form a surrounding revetment at the base of the mound. Internally, it is a corridor-type stone-chamber tomb with a main chamber (hyeonshil) and an access corridor (yeondo). The four walls and ceiling of the chamber were plastered with lime and painted with murals, and the floor had a wide stone platform for the coffin. The murals, though heavily damaged by natural humidity, survive on the corridor ceiling and door slabs. The ceiling bears a large lotus flower motif painted in a single red hue. The outer face of the stone door slab is largely unrecognizable, but the inner face bears an inscription: 'Eulbyonyeo Eosukjisulgahn' (year of the Wood Rabbit, written by Eosuk, a Sulgan official). The year Eulbyonyeo is estimated to be 595 CE (17th year of King Jinpyeong), after Buddhism's official recognition under King Beopheung. The name Eosuk is Goguryeo in origin, while Sulgan is a Silla official title, reflecting this region's unique position as a borderland between Goguryeo and Silla. It is the only named Silla tomb and one of only two mural tombs found within Silla territory (alongside the Sunheung Mural Tomb), making it a highly important historical resource.