Tomb of Munmu of Silla, Royal tomb in North Gyeongsang, South Korea.
The Tomb of Munmu of Silla is a burial site located 200 meters off the coast of Bonggil-ri, visible as a stone formation during low tide. The structure consists of a main stone formation surrounded by smaller stone arrangements that extend into the water.
King Munmu, the 30th ruler of Silla, requested that his cremated remains be placed in the East Sea in 681 after unifying the three Korean kingdoms. This choice of an ocean burial reflected his spiritual connection to the sea and represented an exceptional decision for a royal figure of that era.
Local residents perform ritual offerings at the tomb during Samjinnal, a lunar holiday, maintaining centuries-old traditions through food offerings and prayers.
Visitors can view the tomb best during low tide when the stone formations become more clearly visible from the shore. Nearby viewpoints and cafes offer comfortable spots to observe and photograph the site without needing to enter the water.
This is the only known underwater royal tomb in the world, making it a singular exception in royal burial practices across cultures. Water continuously flows through the stone formation, creating a shifting visual landscape that changes dramatically with the tides.
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