Underwater Tomb of King Munmu

The sea tomb of a Silla king who vowed to “become a dragon even after death and defend the nation against invaders from the East Sea” — this is the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu.

According to the will of King Munmu, who completed the unification of the Three Kingdoms, his cremated remains are said to have been laid on a rocky islet about 200m off the shore. The islet has a cross-shaped channel of water through its center with a large stone set inside, long believed to be the resting place of the king’s remains.

The story of a king who left no earthly tomb and returned to the sea to become the nation’s guardian spirit is a symbol that reveals both the Silla view of the state and its Buddhist worldview.

For Koreans, this is the place most immediately linked to the word “guarding the nation,” and it’s also renowned as an East Coast sunrise spot.

Honestly, though, the islet sits out in the open sea — you can’t reach it by boat and can only view it from afar — so if you’re expecting grand sights it may feel modest, and the dawn sea wind is quite cold.

The real draw is the sunrise, so time your visit to daybreak and watch for the moment when waves breaking on the rocks meet a reddening sky. Pair it with Gampo Port and the Gameunsa temple site for an East Coast loop.

The beach is open 24 hours and admission is free.