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All South Korea Gyeongju Cheonmachong
AO Edited

Cheonmachong

This tomb's name derives from a famous painting of a white horse found inside.

Gyeongju, South Korea

Added By
katielou106
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Cheonmachong   xiquinhosilva / CC BY 2.0
Cheonmachong   xiquinhosilva / CC BY 2.0
The entrance to the tomb.   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
The Heavenly Horse.   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
One of the National Treasures removed for the tomb.   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Cheonmachong means, "Heavenly Horse Tomb," and was previously known as Tomb no. 155. 

The tomb was constructed in the style of the Silla, and is believed to date from the 5th-century, but possibly as late as the 6th-century. The tomb was constructed for an unknown Silla king. 

Excavated in 1973, a total of 11,500 artifacts were recovered from inside. Three artifacts were eventually listed as Korean National Treasures.

The tomb got its name from a now-famous painting of a white horse located on a birch bark saddle flap found during excavation. The horse, known as a Cheonma, has eight legs and is depicted with wings on its feet. The other, less famous side of the saddle flap showcases horsemen and a phoenix. 

The burial of horse trappings and an actual horse with the king highlights the important role these animals played during the Silla period. 

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Tombs History & Culture Architecture Burial Places

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Added By

katielou106

Edited By

Michelle Cassidy

  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

May 25, 2021

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Cheonmachong
14 Gyerim-ro
Gyeongju, 780-080
South Korea
35.838736, 129.210387
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