A special event is being held where visitors can directly observe the construction process of the “Jjoksaem Tomb No. 44,” believed to be a tomb of a Silla royal, at the Jjoksaem Archaeological Site Excavation Hall in Gyeongju. The city of Gyeongju, in collaboration with the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage in Gyeongju, is hosting the “Gyeongju Jjoksaem Tomb No. 44 Construction Experiment Explanation Session” from October 30 to November 1, coinciding with the APEC Summit.
The “Jjoksaem Tomb No. 44” is presumed to be the tomb of a young female royal (princess) from Silla, where over 800 artifacts, including horse trappings made from iridescent beetle wings, were unearthed. Since 2014, the National Research Institute has conducted a decade-long excavation and interdisciplinary research to uncover the complete construction process and techniques of the tomb. Based on these findings, they have been conducting construction experiments to recreate the actual tomb since last year, a rare endeavor in global archaeology.
As of now, they have completed part of the double wood coffin containing the owner’s body and burial goods and reached the phase of stacking stones around it (the 8th step of a total of 21 steps).
The explanation sessions will take place from 10 AM to 5 PM (excluding 12 PM to 1 PM), led by participating curators every hour and half-hour. Attendees will receive detailed insights into the construction process of key features like the wooden coffin, wooden structures, and stone mounds, and can view actual unearthed artifacts. The event is open to all without prior registration and offers interpretation in English, Japanese, and Chinese for international visitors.
Im Seung-gyeong, director of the National Research Institute, stated that this event aims to showcase the magnificent Silla culture during the APEC period and plans to host various academic events involving people worldwide. Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young expressed hopes that this unique cultural heritage experience, exclusive to Gyeongju, will allow delegates and citizens to feel the profound historical depth of the millennium-old capital.