A recent archaeological discovery provides exciting insights into the time of the Silla Kingdom. The researchers have uncovered a tomb in South Korea that reveals artifacts in remarkable condition. One of the finds is a suit of armor that belonged to a commander.
Recent Archaeological Discovery: A Rare Discovery
A research team from the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Gyeongju city administration announced the find of six wooden coffin tombs in a joint press conference, according to The Korea Times. The recent archaeological discovery in Hwangnam-dong, a district of Gyeongju, has uncovered human remains. Researchers have been studying this area since 2018 and made the find at an ongoing excavation site.
Not only remains, but fragments of a gilt-bronze crown and an iron sword were also found in the tombs. Both, along with a suit of armor, were attributed to a commander. In addition, a set of horse armor was identified as a matching set, which is considered one of the most spectacular treasures. According to Arkeonews, KHS director Huh Min considers it one of the “most remarkable archaeological discoveries in recent Korean history,” adding, “This is a rare moment, showing the public a complete set of a Silla commander’s armor for both man and horse.”
According to initial findings, the archaeological discoveries date back to the Silla Kingdom, which ruled as one of many powerful dynasties in ancient Korea from the 4th to the 5th century. It is also noteworthy that individuals were apparently found in the tomb as sacrificial offerings. This was said to have been a common practice to display great military power.
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Significance for Korean Culture
The rare artifacts, such as parts of a bronze crown, also give the research team entirely new insights into various areas, like metalworking in the Silla Kingdom. The burial site in a wooden chamber under a stone-clad wooden structure is also a sign of cultural change in burial customs. A KHS employee commented on the amazing find at the press conference as follows:
This discovery goes beyond adding one more tomb to the map […] It provides a clue to understanding the evolution of Silla tomb construction and even the kingdom’s political and social organization.
Since the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries’ meeting is taking place in Gyeongju this year, the excavation site was open to the public between October 27 and November 1, 2025. This allowed visitors to see the recent archaeological discovery of extraordinary relics, such as the remains, the crown fragment, armor, and helmets, for themselves at the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage.
Sources: The Korea Times, Arkeonews
This article was originally published on futurezone.de / 4P.de and has been carefully translated.