Tomb of King Heungdeok

Tomb of King Heungdeok is the tomb of King Heungdeok (r. 826-836), Silla's 42nd monarch, measuring 20.8m across and 6m high. It's considered one of the largest and most fully developed royal tombs among Silla's kings.

According to the Samguk Sagi and Samguk Yusa, the king was buried together with his queen, which is said to account for the mound's relatively large size. Stone slabs stand upright at the base of the mound to form retaining stones, fixed in place by support pillars between each slab and topped with a capstone. Carved into the support pillars are figures of the twelve zodiac guardians, each facing its corresponding direction — a display of craftsmanship considered among the finest examples of Unified Silla royal-tomb sculpture.