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At a Glance: Cheonmachong Tomb offers a unique glimpse into Korea's ancient past with its impressive artifacts and tranquil setting.
Cheonmachong Tomb (천마총) is one of the most significant sites within the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs in Gyeongju. This historical park features a collection of 23 ancient tombs, with Cheonmachong being the only one open to the public. It stands as a testament to Korea’s Silla Dynasty and is worth trying for anyone interested in history or archaeology.
What is Cheonmachong Tomb (Daereungwon Ancient Tombs) (천마총(대릉원)) exactly?
Cheonmachong Tomb is an ancient burial mound that dates back to the late 5th century to early 6th century. It was excavated in 1973 and has an impressive height of 12.7 meters and a diameter of 50 meters. The tomb is notable for yielding remarkable artifacts, including Korea’s largest gold crown, along with other treasures like a gold waist belt and gilt-bronze shoes.
The name ‘Cheonmachong’ comes from a mudguard saddle flap known as Cheonmado, which features a painting of a heavenly horse. This artistic element highlights the cultural significance of the tomb, linking it to ancient Korean equestrian practices. For those curious about what was found here, many of these treasures are displayed at the nearby Gyeongju National Museum.
Is it worth the trip?
Absolutely. Visiting Cheonmachong Tomb allows you to walk through history while enjoying serene trails that weave between various tombs. The site provides not just visual beauty but also cultural insights into the Silla Dynasty. The juxtaposition of nature and ancient architecture creates an atmosphere that feels both tranquil and profound.
Here is the thing though — one thing that might surprise you is how accessible this site is. Located at 9 Gyerim-ro, Gyeongju-si, getting there is straightforward whether you’re driving or using public transport. Plus, admission fees are quite reasonable: ₩3,000 (about $2.20 USD) for adults and even less for teenagers and children.
How to plan your visit?
The tomb is open every day from 09:00 to 22:00, making it easy to fit into your itinerary at any time of day. Parking is available nearby for ₩2,000 (about $1.50 USD), so if you’re driving, you won’t have any trouble finding a spot.
When you arrive, don’t miss out on the Daereungwon Magnolia Photo Area; it’s a beautiful spot where you can capture stunning images against the backdrop of ancient tombs. Restrooms are conveniently located on-site as well.
What I would do differently next time
If I had another chance to visit Cheonmachong Tomb, I’d definitely allocate more time to explore the surrounding area thoroughly. While it’s easy to focus solely on the tomb itself, there’s so much more to see in Daereungwon Ancient Tombs.
I’d also recommend bringing some snacks or drinks with you since food options around might be limited. Just a heads up though—Gyeongju has excellent restaurants serving local specialties like Bibimbap, so consider planning your meals after visiting!
