Pohang Naengsu-ri Silla Stele, Stone monument in Pohang, South Korea.
The Pohang Naengsu-ri Stele is a stone monument in North Gyeongsang Province that bears carved inscriptions dating to the 6th century. The memorial documents the administrative systems and social hierarchies of the Silla Kingdom through details preserved on its stone surface.
The stele was carved in 503 CE, during the fourth year of King Jijeung of Silla, and was found in 1989 at Naengsu-ri in Pohang. Its 231 characters record a property dispute over the ownership of Jolgeo-ri in Jinimachon, settled by seven representatives of Silla's six clans. The text also mentions a ritual sacrifice of a cow reported to heaven after the mediation. It was designated National Treasure No. 264 on 15 March 1991.
The carved text reflects how the Silla Kingdom organized its government and the terms used for officials and roles during that era. Visitors can observe the simple, direct way the characters were cut into stone, providing a tangible sense of early Korean writing practices.
The site is located near Pohang and can be reached by public transportation with some advance planning. Wearing comfortable shoes is helpful, as the ground is uneven and the memorial sits in an open outdoor setting.
The monument is one of the few remains that directly reveal the administrative titles and official positions used in early Silla Kingdom. This makes it valuable for understanding the official structure of one of the major powers in early Korean history.
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