The name 'Cheonmachong' translates to 'Heavenly Horse Tomb,' named after a painting of a white horse discovered on a birch bark saddle flap inside.
Unlike many other tombs, Cheonmachong was identified as a royal tomb of the Silla Dynasty due to the presence of a gold crown and gold belt.
The mounds were constructed using a 'stone mound with earthen covering' technique, making them notoriously difficult to penetrate or excavate.
Some of the mounds remain unexcavated to preserve them for future archaeological technologies.
The park serves as a historical green space that separates the modern city from the ancient capital's burial grounds.
Daereungwon Tomb Complex contains 23 large-scale burial mounds dating to the Silla Kingdom. The site is most famous for Cheonmachong, the only tomb in the complex that allows visitors to walk inside its interior chamber. Excavations here unearthed over 11,500 artifacts, including gold crowns and ceremonial horse saddles. The burial mounds are characterized by their massive, grass-covered dome shapes, which were built using layers of clay and stone to prevent grave robbery. The site serves as a park-like archaeological zone situated within the historic district of Gyeongju. Walking paths connect the various mounds, which range in size and preservation state.
The solitary magnolia tree located between the mounds is a popular subject for photography, especially during the spring bloom.
Visit the Cheonmachong tomb first, as it is the only one with an accessible interior museum display.
Walk the perimeter paths during the transition between afternoon and evening to see the mounds silhouetted against the sunset.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park terrain is primarily gravel and dirt paths.
Do not attempt to walk up the slopes of the mounds, as they are protected archaeological structures and climbing is strictly prohibited.
Maintain a respectful silence as these are burial sites; do not climb on the mounds or step off designated paths.
