Buyeo Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] | Attraction Guide

Buyeo Royal Tombs are a group of Baekje tombs located in Neungsan-ri to the east of the Buyeo-gun administrative area in Chungnam. The tombs are arranged in two rows facing south on a slope, with three tombs in each row and one additional tomb at the highest back point, totaling seven tombs. Known as royal tombs for a long time, the tombs have circular earthen mounds on the outside and inside feature corridor-type stone chamber tombs (horizontal stone chamber tombs) with the lid stones all constructed underground. Tomb No. 1 is a single chamber tomb with a rectangular burial chamber and corridor; its corridor is relatively long and flares wider toward the outside like a trumpet shape. The four walls and ceiling of the burial chamber are painted with murals of the Four Symbols, lotus patterns, and cloud motifs, which show influence from Goguryeo. Tomb No. 2 has a tunnel-shaped ceiling like Gongju’s Muryeong Royal Tomb and is considered the earliest constructed. Tombs No. 3 and No. 4 have flat stone slab ceilings, made by tilting the ceiling halfway and covering it with stone slabs, and have short corridors. This style is common in Buyeo and appears to have remained popular until the end. From a temple site west of the tomb cluster, Baekje gilt-bronze incense burners (National Treasure) and Baekje Changwangmyung stone sarira cases (National Treasure) were excavated, further supporting their royal status. Recognized for their value, the tombs are designated as a historic site and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Baekje Historic Areas. Nearby tourist attractions include Buyeo Neungan-gol tomb cluster, Buyeo Naseong, Buyeo Jungjeong-ri Baekje building remains, and the National Buyeo Museum.