Goryeong Jisandong Tumuli of Daegaya / 高靈池山洞古墳群 / 고령 지산동 고분군

Located along the ridge of Jusan Mountain (elevation 310m above sea level), which surrounds the town of Goryeong these tombs were first built around 400 CE when Daegaya began to develop in full swing. Their construction came to an end in 562 CE when the kingdom finally met its demise. 

In 1963, this cluster of tombs was designated Historic Site No. 79 (830,181m2 in ground area) and came to be known officially as the ‘Ancient Tombs in Jisan-dong, Goryeong.’ 

As the tombs are spread out, in a linear fashion, within an area that covers the main mountain ridge and terminates at the point of the Goadong Mural Tomb (an area approximately 2.4km long and 1km wide), the tumuli may be considered to represent the largest of the Gaya burial grounds of the Three Kingdoms Period.

The main type of burial chamber observed at this burial ground is the stone-lined burial chamber which was accessed vertically. However, in the case of the later tombs, stone burial chambers with horizontal entrances or corridors were also identified. A total of 704 mounded tombs have been discovered so far, and known for their immense size.

Not only is the Goryeong Jisandong Tumuli cluster regarded as the largest and most central of the Daegaya burial grounds, they also contain the greatest number of mounded tombs, as well as the largest of the mounded tombs. 

The results of the excavations have revealed that the tombs contained the distinctive ceramic vessels of Daegaya, various types of iron implements, horse trappings, and elaborate personal ornaments including gilt bronze crowns and gold earrings. 

This indicates that those who were laid to rest in these tombs were the elite members of Daegaya society, such as the king and aristocrats. 

The oldest extant record regarding the Goryeong Jisandong Daegaya Tumuli dates to the early Joseon period. 

It is stated in the 29th volume of Sinjeung dongguk yeoji seungnam (Newly Augmented Survey of the Geography of Korea), in the section concerning the ancient sites of Goryeong-hyeon, that "Located two li west of the town stands an old tomb, which called the ‘Tomb of King Geumnim’ by the populace," thereby recording the presence of the Goryeong Jisandong Tumuli cluster and the perception of it as a royal burial ground of Daegaya. 

Photos by Seyun Oh 

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