Lid Stone Alone Measures 3 Meters... Largest Gaya Tumulus Discovered in Jinju

Excavation Results of the Wondang Tumuli Revealed
Traces of Exchanges Between Gaya and Baekje Uncovered

Wondang Tumuli Excavation Site

The largest Gaya earthen mound in the eastern region has been identified at the Wondang Tumuli in Ilbanseong-myeon, Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. South Gyeongsang Province, the National Heritage Administration, and Jinju City held an on-site briefing on the 17th and announced the excavation results.

According to the investigation, the tumulus measures 13.4 to 15.2 meters in diameter and 1.2 to 4.2 meters in height, making it the largest Gaya earthen mound discovered so far in the eastern region of Jinju. In particular, the lid stone (gaeseok), measuring 290 centimeters in length, 208 centimeters in width, and 30 centimeters in thickness, is considered the largest among those found in Gaya tumuli to date.

The excavated artifacts also draw attention. Alongside pottery such as gobae and gidae, a coffin ring and a gilt-bronze belt ornament were unearthed. Experts believe the belt ornament reflects the style of the Baekje Sabi period, supporting evidence of exchanges between Gaya and Baekje.

South Gyeongsang Province explained, "The Wondang Tumuli is not merely a regional hub, but a strategic point on the inland transportation route connecting the southern coast and the Nam River basin." The province added, "This is an academic achievement that demonstrates Gaya's active exchanges with Silla, Baekje, and various East Asian powers in the mid-6th century."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.