Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 25
Photo Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Stele of King Taejong Muyeol
(Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
🏯 1. The King Who Unified the Land
Standing quietly in Gyeongju, the Stele of King Taejong Muyeol honors Kim Chun-chu (604–661), the 29th king of the Silla Kingdom, who played a pivotal role in unifying the Three Kingdoms of Korea — Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo.
Known by his temple name Taejong Muyeol-wang, he was a wise and strategic ruler who forged alliances with Tang China, paving the way for national unification. His reign marked a turning point in Korean history — a time when courage, diplomacy, and faith intertwined to shape a new era.
The stele serves as a stone tribute to his leadership and spirit, symbolizing the strength of unity and the enduring values of loyalty and wisdom.
🪨 2. Structure and Artistic Features
The stele stands on the site of King Taejong Muyeol’s royal tomb in Gyeongju, originally accompanied by a dragon-shaped stone base — a powerful emblem of royal authority and protection.
Although the main body of the monument has been partially damaged over time, the remaining tortoise-shaped pedestal (bixi) still retains its intricate carvings, displaying remarkable craftsmanship of the 7th century Unified Silla period.
The monument once bore an inscription written by Kim Inmun, the king’s son and a noted scholar, which praised his father’s achievements and virtues. Even in its weathered state, the stele radiates dignity — a silent witness to history’s endurance.
🌄 3. The Symbol of Eternal Kingship
Beyond its historical value, the Stele of King Taejong Muyeol represents the eternal ideal of righteous leadership. The tortoise base, believed to carry the weight of heaven and earth, signifies stability and long life, while the dragon imagery reflects the royal ascent to divine wisdom.
Together, they form a sacred union between earthly authority and spiritual enlightenment — a reflection of Silla’s vision of kingship.
Visitors who approach the monument often describe a sense of calm reverence, as though the past still breathes through the stone.
🌿 4. Preservation and Legacy
Though centuries of erosion have taken their toll, the stele continues to stand as a revered relic of the Silla dynasty’s golden age. Its weathered surface and missing sections are not marks of loss, but traces of time that deepen its beauty.
The monument remains a cornerstone of Korean epigraphy and royal art, offering scholars vital insight into early Silla stonecraft and political philosophy. It embodies the spirit of a ruler who united a nation — not through conquest alone, but through vision and heart.
💬 5. A Warm Reflection
“The stone remembers what men forget. The Stele of King Taejong Muyeol whispers of unity, duty, and the quiet strength that shapes a nation.”
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal