King Gyeongsun is the only Silla king buried outside of the Gyeongju area.
He voluntarily surrendered his kingdom to King Taejo of Goryeo to prevent further bloodshed.
The tomb was forgotten for centuries and was only identified through extensive historical research in the 1970s.
Following the surrender, King Gyeongsun lived in Goryeo and married a daughter of King Taejo.
The stone tiger sculptures guarding the tomb are notable for their unique, non-intimidating facial expressions.
The Tomb of King Gyeongsun is the final resting place of the 56th and last monarch of the Silla Dynasty. Located in Yeoncheon-gun, it is distinct for being one of the rare royal tombs situated far from the dynasty's capital of Gyeongju. King Gyeongsun surrendered to the Goryeo Dynasty in 935, ending 992 years of Silla rule. The site features a burial mound surrounded by stone figures and traditional tomb markers. It is designated as Historic Site No. 244 by the South Korean government. The location sits within the Civilian Control Zone, requiring pre-registration for access due to its proximity to the border. The tomb grounds are maintained to preserve the historical integrity of the Goryeo-style funerary landscape.
The elevated path looking back toward the tomb mound from the main entrance gate.
Contact the Yeoncheon County office in advance to verify the current status of access to the Civilian Control Zone.
Bring valid government-issued identification, as it is required for entry into the restricted military area.
Check weather reports beforehand, as the site is almost entirely outdoors with limited shelter.
Attempting to visit without prior military clearance or government notification.
Access may be restricted without notice due to military activity or regional security status.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor; do not sit on or touch the stone burial structures.
