Historical Attraction

Ch'omsongdae
The Ch'omsongdae is the oldest astronomical observation post in Asia, constructed during the rule of Great Queen Sundok(632-647) of the Shilla Kingdom. The simple curves and straight lines combine into a beautiful architectural structure. Granite rocks are processed and 27 stone platforms are stacked up a circular form.

Toward the south, there is a square gate like a niche between the 13th and the 15th story. The Ch'omsongdae is 5.17m in diameter and 9.4m in height and the Sukjong(original stone bell) is a rare relic from the Shilla Kingdom that has been well preserved.

The ancient people believed that the astronomical conditions were deeply connected to the fate of nation and the king's authority. The interest in the astronomical phenomena were also connected to the Confucianism that advocated the politics of heaven. So the Ch'omsungdae took an important part as a astronomical observatory during the Shilla Kingdom where the astronomical ideologies were important.

Kwerung
Unlike other tombs of Unified Shilla, Kwaereung is a heavily decorated example of the perfect tomb. It is considered the most beautiful royal tomb of the Shilla Kingdom. And it is also believed that King Wonsung(785-798) is buried here. Kwaereung means "the hanging tomb". It is believed that the remains of King Wonsung were hung over the surface of a little pond that exisited long ago.

It was believed that King Moonmoo(who unified the Three kingdoms) was buried here, but recently King Moonmoo's under water tomb was discovered in Gampo, the east of Kyongju. It is now widely believed that Kwaereung is the tomb of King Wonsung, dating back to the late 8th century.

Tomb of General Kim Yu-Sin
This old tomb is on the middle of Songhwakwan. It is said to be the tomb of Kim Yu-shin(595-673), the Great General of Shilla. In the mid seventh century, General Kim Yu-shin contributed in expanding the territory of Shilla and defeated Paekje and Koguryo, along with Kim Chun-chu(King Muyol).

Kim Yu-shin lived to serve four different Kings and Queens, from the reign of Queen Sunduck to King Munmu.

And later King Hungduck called him King Hungmu the Great to honor him. King Munmu sent 1,000 rolls of cloth, 2,000 sacks of rice and 100 musicians for the funeral. The king also built a stone monument with the inscription about Kim Yu-shin's great achievements. The government also designated people to take care of the tomb. It is believed from this evidence that the style and the size was that of a royal tomb.