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Square Tomb - 방형분 (方形墳) (possibly 8th century)

At the base of the road leading up to Bulguksa temple sits an unusual square-shaped tomb. Traditionally, it is believed to be the tomb of Kim Taesong, the architect of Bulguksa temple and Seokguram grotto. It is the only tomb in the Gyeongju vicinity surfaced with zodiac figures that is shaped in a square. Each side of the tomb is approximately 30 feet long. Inside the tomb is a small chamber sunk 10 feet into the earth, measuring 9 by 7 1/2 feet. The ceiling is only 5'-8" tall. At the center of the room is a stone coffin measuring 6'-4" x 2'-8" x 1'-5". It is unclear whether the Korean government, tomb robbers, or archaeologists have yet opened the coffin.

If the square tomb does belong to Kim Taesong, it is likely to date from 774, the year of his death at the age of 73.

Address: 경북 경주시 구정동 산41.

(Designated Historic Site #27).