Tomb of King Wanggon, Royal mausoleum in Kaepung-guyok, North Korea.
The Tomb of King Wanggon is a royal mausoleum in Kaepung-guyok with a central burial mound surrounded by stone guardian figures and carvings. These sculptures form a protective circle around the burial site and demonstrate the craftsmanship of those who built it.
King Wanggon founded the Goryeo Dynasty in the 10th century and unified the Korean peninsula under his rule. His era marked the start of a period of cultural growth and political stability in the region.
The tomb reflects traditional Korean burial practices through its sculptural guardians and how they are positioned around the burial mound in a protective arrangement. The placement of these figures shows how ancient beliefs shaped the way people created sacred spaces in their landscape.
Visiting this site requires advance arrangements through authorized North Korean tour operators and compliance with official visitation guidelines. Travelers should work with their guides to confirm all necessary permissions are in place before heading to the location.
The site underwent major reconstruction in 1994, with many original structures and statues replaced during the restoration process. This rebuilding aimed to restore the mausoleum to how it may have appeared in earlier times.
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