Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong
This exhibition is digitally documented and reinterpreted based on records from archaeological excavations conducted between 1999 and 2002.
The Gaya Confederacy
The Gaya Confederacy (1st–6th c. CE) was a league of six city-states in the Three Kingdoms period. Known for exceptional ironworking, maritime trade, and a specialized agricultural economy, they formed a unique horizontal alliance of autonomous but culturally linked polities
Gaya Tumuli: UNESCO World Heritage
The Gaya Tumuli are elite burial sites that illustrate the political structure and shared culture of the Gaya Confederacy. In 2023, seven Gaya burial complexes were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their value in representing a network of independent polities.
Panoramic view of Songhak-dong Ancient Tombs in Goseong (1)Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong
The Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong are
key So-Gaya burial sites for local elites in Goseong-eup, Gyeongsangnam-do. Excavated by the Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University in 1999, they reveal the region’s history and form part of the UNESCO-listed Gaya Tumuli.
Tomb No. 1A of Songhak-dong Ancient Tombs, GoseongSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Pit-Type Stone Coffin Tomb
Tomb No. 1A
Tomb No. 1A is a pit-type stone coffin tomb built by lining a dug pit with stone slabs. Dating to the late 5th–early 6th century, it contains eleven chambers built at different times within one mound, reflecting the Gaya custom of multi-coffin burials.
Entrance of the stone chamber, Tomb No. 1B-1 of Songhak-dong Ancient Tombs, GoseongSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Horizontal Stone Chamber Tomb
Tomb No. 1B-1
Tomb No. 1B-1 is a horizontal stone chamber tomb entered from the side. Its red-painted walls, wooden shelves, and curtain nails reflect foreign influences, making it one of the most distinctive tombs in the Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong.
Mounted cup with lid from Songhak-dong Ancient Tombs, Goseong (1)Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Characteristics of Goseong
Unlike other Gaya tombs, the Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong contained more lidded bowls than pedestal dishes, reflecting a local pattern unique to Goseong. This highlights the tomb cluster’s distinctive character within the region.
Earthenware from Songhak-dong Ancient Tombs, Goseong (2)Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Pedestal Dish
A ceremonial vessel with a raised base, the pedestal dish was used in rituals during the Three Kingdoms period. The piece from the Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong is decorated with geometric patterns, enhancing its ornamental beauty.
Bowl-shaped pottery standSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Bowl Stand
Bowl stands in the So-Gaya style were found in the Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong. These vessels illustrate the regional pottery style of So-Gaya, reflecting the local traditions of the area.
Earthenware from Songhak-dong Ancient Tombs, Goseong (1)Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Jars with Legs and Short-Necked Jars
These unique jars, with their distinctive legs and short necks, were discovered in the Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong.
Necklace from Songhak-dong Ancient Tombs, GoseongSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Necklace
This necklace consists of a central multi-faceted agate bead, surrounded by blue glass beads, crystal beads, and jade tubular beads.
Stirrups from Songhak-dong Ancient Tombs, GoseongSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Stirrup
A stirrup is a foot support attached to a saddle, used when mounting or riding a horse.
Plowshare from Songhak-dong Ancient Tombs, GoseongSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Ploughshare
A ploughshare is the iron blade attached to the end of a plough, used to dig and turn soil.
Traces of External Exchange
Artifacts from the Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong reveal local traits and exchanges with So-Gaya, Daegaya, Silla, and Japan. They show that Gaya people in Goseong actively engaged in maritime trade and cultural interaction with diverse influences.
Rhombus-shaped horse strap pendantSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Artifacts of Dae-Gaya Origin
The Geurung-type horse bit pendant and F-shaped bit plates, popular in the late 5th–early 6th century, are distinctive of Daegaya craftsmanship. Their discovery in Tomb 1A-1 shows that So-Gaya maintained close ties with Daegaya during its southward expansion.
Heart-shaped horse strap pendantSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Artifacts of Silla Origin
Tomb No. 1C yielded a leaf-shaped horse bit pendant, popular in Silla. This shows interaction between Silla and So-Gaya, especially in the 6th century when Silla annexed Geumgwan Gaya and extended its influence along the southern coast.
Artifacts of Japanese Origin
Japanese Sue ware pottery was found at the Ancient Tombs in Songhak-dong, Goseong. Widely used in Japan from the Kofun to Heian periods, its presence in So-Gaya territory shows active maritime cultural exchange along Korea’s southern coast.
Horse strap ornamentsSeokdang Museum of Dong-A University
Artifacts of Japanese Origin
Horse tack ornaments made from Japanese shell (Imogai) were excavated from Tomb 1B-1. They illustrate active cultural exchange between So-Gaya and Japan, possibly transmitted via Silla intermediaries, highlighting So-Gaya’s extensive external connections.
Your Journey Continues
Experience the rich history and vibrant culture
of the Gaya people through the Ancient Tombs in Goseong.
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Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University!
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