Mausoleum of Tangun

The Mausoleum of Tangun is a stone burial structure that rises 22 meters high and is built from roughly 1,994 stones arranged in a pyramid shape at the base of Mount Taebak. The structure displays careful stonework and stands as a distinctive landmark in the surrounding terrain.

Excavations by North Korean archaeologists in the 1990s uncovered human remains and artifacts suggesting an ancient burial site. The findings were dated to over 5,000 years ago, connecting the location to the earliest chapters of Korean history.

The site is revered as the burial place of Tangun, the legendary founder of the first Korean kingdom according to local tradition. Visitors encounter a sacred space that reflects deep roots in Korean identity and heritage.

The complex spreads across expansive grounds with distinct sections displaying different aspects of the site: the monument itself, stone statues, and the central burial chamber. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as exploring these broad areas is done on foot.

The heaviest stone blocks used in building this pyramid-shaped tomb weigh roughly 21 tons each. These massive stones demonstrate the remarkable technical skill and engineering prowess required to construct such a monument.