Daegaya Museum in Goryeong

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The Daegaya Museum in Goryeong is a natural history museum with indoor and outdoor activities. I was only expecting to hike the royal tombs. But I was pleasantly surprised by two sweet ajummas who gave me the museum rundown in English. They asked me to sign the foreign guest book and gifted me with a book about the Daegaya Dynasty. I instantly regretted the gift. The book was heavy and weighed me down on my hike. I wonder how they figured out I was a foreigner? It was probably my accent.

 

 

How to Visit Daegaya Museum in Goryeong

 

The Daegaya Museum in Goryeong is a natural history museum dedicated to the Daegaya Dynasty. I’ve been to Gyeongju, the region inhabited by the mighty Silla Dynasty. Read about the  Ancient Silla Tombs in Gyeongju and their history and palaces Anapji Pond Dazzles in Gyeongju.

The Daegaya Dynasty inhabited the Goryeong area of South Korea from AD 42-562. The museum has three permanent exhibitions: the Museum of Daegaya Royal Tombs, Daegaya Hall of Historical Data, and the Museum of Ureuk. The Royal Tombs museum has the history, detailed depictions of how the tombs were setup, and examples of the buried relics. At the time of internment, the burial mounds would have had a bird’s-eye view over the kingdom.

 

Accessible to English Speakers

 

I was pleasantly surprised to find all the information on Korean history was in English and Korean. Goryeong is a great day trip from Daegu.

  

 

The Daegaya Museum in Goryeong Tombs and Contents

 

According to a survey, there are 704 tombs within 2.4km square miles surrounding the museum. Excavation began in 1910 during the Japanese occupation. The excavation took place in twenty tombs. However, nothing of value was found at the time due to raiders. As a result, excavation halted until the 1970s when more tombs were unearthed.

  

Inside the Tombs

 

Riches of course but most of it was common everyday items like combs, pots, and lamps. We find just as much information about societies in death as we do in life. You get a chance to see what they consider valuable. It’s just as interesting to see what’s missing from the tombs.

A few years ago they excavated the last tomb. In all, thirty tombs were open and explored. All the artifacts were cataloged. And the museum displays many of them.

  

 
Daegaya Hall of Historical Data

 

I love dioramas, they appeal to the kid in me. The History Pavilion houses many of the relics. Subsequently, I really appreciated the simple to understand dioramas and explanations in English. The exhibit included relics from the Old Stone and the Modern Age. Visitors can see the history of the Daegaya region based on the relics as technology improved.

There are also special temporary exhibitions. As well as a children’s learning center where kids have a hands-on opportunity using puzzle games, rubbings, and printing.

  

 

The Museum of Ureuk

 

 

Before you leave Andong, take a short walk over to the Ureuk Museum. The Ureuk Museum is dedicated to the Gayageum, a traditional Korean twelve-stringed instrument.  Ureuk, the inventor of the Gayageum was a great musician. Ureuk worked as a musician during King Gasil of Gayaguk.

  

 

 

 

 
Hiking The Museum of Daegaya Royal Tombs
Tombs #44 and #45

 

 

Tomb 44 contains 32 stone-lined sacrificial graves and Tomb 45 revealed a gilt-bronze crown and several other metal artifacts. It was fascinating to what each ruler had buried with them.

Wondering around the interior tomb was interesting. However, I really enjoyed the hike because it was a beautiful day. So it felt good to get out and tour the burial grounds. Consequently, I found a great playlist on my phone and filled everybody else up the hill to tomb #44.

  

Hike to Jusan Hill

 

Tomb #44 on Jusan Hill offers a wonderful view of the opposite hill and the valley below. Surveyed and excavated by Kyungbug University Museum in 1977, it is the most impressive find so far.  It is 27 meters in diameter and 6m tall with three large stone rooms and 32 small stone coffins of the sacrificed attendants buried with their master.

Although someone stole most of the treasures. Researchers found a pair of golden earrings, gilt bronze vessels, and a silver spear, and several other valuables.

Address: 98, Gayageum-gil, Goryeong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. It’s less than an hour away from Daegu so it’s a great day trip.

  

Related Content

• Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea
• Gamcheon Cultural Village
• My Day In, Around and Under the DMZ

 

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