King Jinheung’s Cheokgyeongbi, Stone monument in Changnyeong-eup, South Korea.
King Jinheung's Cheokgyeongbi is a granite monument standing about 155 centimeters tall and 71 centimeters wide that now resides in a museum. Carved into its surface are characters documenting a royal inspection journey and the officials who accompanied it.
The monument was erected in 561 CE during the Silla Kingdom and marks a location associated with a royal inspection tour through a regional area. This journey was part of the king's efforts to strengthen control over newly acquired territories.
The inscriptions reflect how Classical Chinese was used as the written language of the Silla court, showing the literacy practices of the time. The text records names of officials and military commanders who traveled with the king, revealing the structure of royal authority.
The monument is on display in a museum alongside other historical objects from the same period, making it easy to view up close. The carved inscriptions are clearly visible and well-preserved for studying the details.
The stone displays the earliest known use of an elevated royal title given to the king, signaling a shift in how rulers were perceived and documented. This marking on the monument reflects a turning point in the monarchy's status and presentation.
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