Daewang-am - Underwater Tomb of King Munmu

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Underwater Tomb of King Munmu, Daewang-am, or the Great King\'s Rock, about 200m off the coast, is the underwater tomb of King Munmu (66l-68l) the 30th ruler of the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE). The rocky granite islet is about 20m long with a small pond at the center.

lt is said that King Munmu was cremated in a Buddhist ceremony and his ashes interred here in the underwater tomb in accordance to the King\'s instructions that he be cremated and buried in the East Sea. This was so that he could become a dragon to protect Silla. Some say, however, that this is where the King’s ashes were scattered, not interred.

The rocky islet is closely affiliated with lgyeondae pavilion and Gameun Temple near here. This the only underwater tomb in the world. The tomb symbolizes the king\'s dedication to national defense.

Underwater Tomb of King Munmu, Daewang-am, is Historic Site #158.