Tomb of King Munmu Audio Guide & Tour — Things to Do in Gyeongju, Korea

About

This is the underwater tomb of King Munmu, the 30th king of Silla who unified the Three Kingdoms, and it is the only underwater royal tomb in the world. According to the king's will to become a dragon after death and protect the country, it is said that his cremated remains were placed on a large rock in the East Sea. The small rocky island located about 200m away from the land is Daewangam, which is the Tomb of King Munmu, and travelers can view it from the beach of Bonggil Beach.

In particular, the sunrise over the East Sea viewed from here is magnificent and beautiful, making it a popular attraction visited by many people. It is a special space where the historical meaning of a steadfast will to protect the country and the blue scenic beauty of the East Sea are harmonized.

Stories you can hear here

5 stories · about 7 min

IntroThe Silla King Sleeping in the Sea 200 Meters Away35 sec
SpotTomb of King MunmuSaving the Country is Enough, Even as a Beastabout 2 min
StoryKing Munmu's Will to Become a Sea Dragonabout 2 min
StoryThe Flat Stone Beneath the Sea and the Flute Manpasikjeokabout 2 min
StoryThe Unexcavated Royal Tomb in the Seaabout 1 min

Preview

Do you see the large rocky island sitting alone in the East Sea, 200 meters from the shore? King Munmu of Silla united the three kingdoms of ancient Korea. According to tradition, he left a will asking to be buried in the rocks of the East Sea, saying he would become a sea dragon after death to protect the country. It is said that the king's remains rest beneath a turtle-shaped stone under a cross-shaped waterway in the middle of the rock.

Take a quiet look at this special tomb surrounded by seawater.

Keep listening in the app — stories play automatically by GPS as you get close.Keep listening in the app

Visitor info

Address: 30-1, Bonggil-ri, Munmudaewang-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Hours: Always open
Closed: Open all year round
Admission: Free