The huge, walled park has 23 tombs of Shilla monarchs and family members. From the outside, they look like grassy hillocks – much more subtle than the Egyptian pyramids, but they served the same purpose; many of the tumuli have yielded fabulous treasures, on display at the Gyeongju National Museum. On colder days, the park closes at sunset.
One tomb, Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb), is open to visitors. A cross-section display shows its construction.
The tomb is 13m high and 47m in diameter and was built around the end of the 5th century. Facsimiles of the golden crown, bracelets, jade ornaments, weapons and pottery found here are displayed in glass cases around the inside of the tomb.
