Tomb of King Tongmyong, Royal mausoleum in Pyongyang, North Korea
This royal mausoleum is a stone burial mound about 11.5 meters high with an inner pyramidal chamber decorated with painted walls. It stands as one of 63 tombs that together form a UNESCO World Heritage complex in the city.
This burial site was built in the 5th century and holds the remains of Jumong, the founder of the Goguryeo Kingdom. He received the name King Tongmyong after his death, which is how the tomb is known today.
The painted walls show lotus flowers and Buddhist imagery that reflect the religious beliefs of the Goguryeo era. These artistic choices tell us how spirituality shaped the way people honored their rulers during this period.
The site is located within a protected UNESCO complex and requires visitors to follow specific access procedures. You should arrange your visit in advance and plan for time to explore the surrounding tombs in the area.
Excavations in the 1970s uncovered the remains of a Buddhist monastery that stood near the mound. This discovery shows that religious ceremonies continued at this location long after the original burial took place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.