In ancient times, the Korean peninsula was divided into three kingdoms: Goguryeo in the north, Baekje in the southwest, and Silla in the southeast. Until the 7th century, fierce wars over territory were fought repeatedly.King Taejong MuyeolIn the 7th year of the reign of Kim Chunchu, Kim Yu-shin allied with the Tang Dynasty of China and destroyed Baekje. In the 8th year of the reign of King Munmu (668), he annexed Goguryeo and drove the Tang Dynasty of China out of the Korean Peninsula, achieving the unification of the three kingdoms.
General Kim Yu-shin played such a major role in the unification of the three kingdoms of the peninsula that after his death he was made King Heungmu the Great during the reign of King Heungdeok (reigned 826-836). Kim Yu-shin's youth was depicted in the MBC drama "Queen Seondeok," which tells the turbulent life of the first queen of Silla and began airing in May 2009, and his tomb has become a popular tourist destination for many visitors to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Silla.
The statues of the twelve zodiac gods in the tumulus are lined up in the following order from the left side when looking at the tomb from the front.
Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon
The Tomb of General Kim Yu-shin, Historic Site No. 14, is said to have been built in the 674th year of King Mu's reign (21). The circular tomb is surrounded by amulets of the twelve zodiac gods, each with an animal's head and a human body, protecting the tomb of General Kim Yu-shin, a hero and war god of Silla. Also, while most Silla zodiac gods are dressed in military uniform, these are dressed in civilian uniform, holding various weapons and facing to the right. Gyeongju is home to many ancient tombs from the period of the unification of the Three Kingdoms that were influenced by Buddhism, and this tomb is one of the best-regarded amulets with the carved statues of the twelve zodiac gods.
Gyeongju Intercity Bus TerminalThe General's Tomb is about 1.8 km away, and can be reached in about 30 minutes on foot, or in about 8 minutes if you rent a bicycle from the bicycle rental shop near the bus terminal.
| Basic Information | |
|---|---|
| spot name | Tomb of General Kim Yu-shin Tomb of General Kim Yu-shin |
| Address | 7-1, Chunghyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 7-1 |
| Phone | 054-750-8500 |
| Time | From morning 9 to afternoon 6 |
| Holiday | Open all year round |
| Admission fee | Adults 2,000 won, Teens 1,000 won |
directions:Gyeongju Intercity Bus TerminalOr take a regular taxi from the express bus terminal. The journey takes about 5 minutes.
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