Goryeong Jisan-dong Tumuli

The Goryeong Jisan-dong Tumuli is an archaeological burial complex that spreads across 84 hectares and holds 704 mounded tombs from the northern summit down to the southern slopes. The mounds vary in size and follow the terrain's natural contours, with some standing alone and others arranged in clusters.

The cemetery served from the 5th to the mid-6th century as the burial ground for leaders of Daegaya, an important polity within the Gaya Confederacy. This period was marked by active trade networks and cultural exchange across the Korean peninsula.

The burial mounds show social differences through their placement on the mountain: larger graves stand on ridges, while smaller graves sit lower down. This arrangement allows visitors to understand the social ranking of that time simply by walking through the landscape.

The site spreads across a slope with varying elevations, so walking over uneven terrain is needed and sturdy shoes are recommended. The best way to experience it is by exploring slowly, giving yourself time to observe how the mounds are arranged and their different sizes.

Tumulus Number 44 is among the most thoroughly studied graves on site and contains multiple chambers along with evidence of burial practices from that time. Its structure with different room types shows how complex the funeral rituals of the Daegaya elite were.