[Culture & Heritage] From Geumgwanchong to Cheonmachong: The Discovery of Silla Gold Crowns

The monumental tombs that spread across Gyeongju from the late 5th to early 6th century, along with the radiant gold crowns found within them, symbolize the consolidation of royal authority and the distinctive worldview of the Silla kingdom as it emerged as an early state.

A total of six Silla gold crowns have been identified to date.

Five were excavated from clearly documented sites—Hwangnamdaechong (North Mound, 1975), Geumgwanchong (1921), Seobongchong (1926), Geumnyeongchong (1924), and Cheonmachong (1973)—while one additional crown is known from Gyodong, later recovered after looting.