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Wang Geon Tomb (built 943, refurbished 1990s)

This is the tomb of General Wang Geon, founder of the Goryeo dynasty which lasted from 918 to 1392. Wang Geon first gained prominence when he assisted the warlord Gungye in the foundation of Later Goguryeo, an evanescant kingdom that rose to power in the dying days of Silla. In 918 he broke with Gungye and overthrew him, renaming the kingdom Goryeo. From 918 to 936 he involved Goryeo in a series of wars that resulted in the defeat of Silla and Later Baekje. Instead of attempting to assimilate them by force, he left a number of local leaders in power in what proved to be a wise policy of assimilation. From his capital at Kaesong (or Gaeseong), Wang Geon reigned as King Taejo until his death in 943.

Wang Geon's tomb stands at the foot of Mt. Songak in Kaesong. The tomb comprises an earthen mound ringed with stone, an altar, stone lanterns, and a two files of officials standing on each side of the approach. Four civil officials stand to the east and four military officials face them to the west. The tomb was renovated in the 1990s by the North Korean government, which rebuilt much of the tomb with fresh stones (it is unclear how much of the original tomb was left intact). Several wooden buildings were also added.