| Square
Tomb (8th century?)
other
sites in Gyeongju |
Gyeongju, Korea |
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 Tae-song, 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 from my sources whether the Korean government, tomb robbers, or archaeologists have yet opened the coffin.
If the square tomb does belong to Kim Tae-song, it is likely to date from 774, the year of his death at the age of 73.
Bibliography:
Image copyright 2000-2001 Tim Ciccone
Adams, Edward B. Korea's Kyongju: Cultural Spirit of Silla in
Korea
Seoul International Tourist Publishing Company. Seoul. 1983