The Owner of the Stone Chamber Tomb in Eungpyeong-ri, Buyeo is a Baekje Nobleman

Publication of Excavation Report by National Buyeo Cultural Heritage Research Institute

A study has revealed that the owner of the stone chamber tomb in Eungpyeong-ri, Buyeo, Chungnam, discovered last year without any signs of grave robbery, is presumed to be a Baekje noble. The National Buyeo Cultural Heritage Research Institute disclosed the results of their investigation of this pit-type stone chamber tomb (a tomb made by placing a coffin in a chamber constructed with slab stones and creating an entrance on one side, then covering it with earth) in a report on the 21st. According to the report, the buried body is likely that of a local official or a member of the ruling class. The structure and form of the tomb are typical of pit-type stone chamber tombs popular during the Sabi period of Baekje. Inside, human bones, a pair of gilt-bronze earrings, and coffin materials were excavated. The gilt-bronze earrings closely resemble those found in the Buyeo Neungan-gol and Yeomchang-ri burial mounds, which are presumed to be noble tombs. The research institute stated, "This is an important clue to understanding the rank and status of the deceased."

The Eungpyeong-ri stone chamber tomb is located 7.3 km east of Naseong (羅城), a fortress built to protect the capital during the Baekje Sabi period (538?660). The tomb chamber measures 220 cm in length, 110 cm in width, and 115 cm in height. There are traces of the earth in the burial passage (myodo) from the tomb entrance to the chamber being dug out twice, suggesting that after the initial burial, an additional body was interred later. Based on the structural features of the tomb and radiocarbon dating results, the burial is dated to the late 6th to early 7th century. The research institute noted, "If more burial mounds are identified nearby, this could be a clan cemetery. If it was constructed alone, it might be the tomb of a 'gwijang'?an official buried at their place of appointment or their hometown."