King Muyeol, born Kim Chun-chu, was the first ruler of Silla from the "jingol" (true bone) aristocracy to overcome the disadvantages of his birth and ascend to the throne. He is the only Silla king to be posthumously honored with both a temple name and a posthumous title, earning him the name King Taejong Muyeol.
Along with General Kim Yu-sin, he laid the foundation for the unification of the Three Kingdoms. Kim Yu-sin, recognizing Kim Chun-chu's potential from a young age, became his devoted kingmaker. Kim Yu-sin's plan to secure his place by Kim Chun-chu's side began with a clever scheme.
One day, while playing chukguk (an ancient form of soccer) with Kim Chun-chu, Kim Yu-sin "accidentally" stepped on Chun-chu's tunic tie, causing it to break. Feigning an apology, he invited Chun-chu to his house, promising to have the tie fixed. He asked his two sisters to mend the garment, and it was the younger sister, Mun-hui, who picked it up instead of her elder sister, Bo-hui.
This meeting led to Mun-hui becoming pregnant with Kim Chun-chu's child. When Chun-chu hesitated to marry her, Kim Yu-sin created a scene, threatening to burn his sister at the stake for carrying a child out of wedlock. Startled by the commotion, Kim Chun-chu rushed over, confessed to being the father, and married Mun-hui. With this marriage, the two men became in-laws, forging an even deeper bond both personally and professionally.
King Taejong Muyeol's tomb is one of the few royal tombs with a confirmed owner. Not far from the tomb itself, a stone tortoise base (gwi-bu) and a capstone (i-su) remain. The capstone is inscribed with the characters '太宗武烈大王之碑' (Stele of King Taejong Muyeol), which definitively identifies the tomb's occupant.
Within the area of the King Muyeol's Tomb are four massive burial mounds, collectively known as the Seo-ak-dong Tumuli, lined up neatly behind the king's tomb. The path from King Muyeol's tomb to the Seo-ak-dong Tumuli is well-maintained and makes for a pleasant walk.
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