As the road descends along the southern foot of Gyeongju’s Namsan Mountain, it leads to a village whose very name feels quiet: Naenam-myeon. Literally meaning “the inner south,” it is a land nestled deep to the south. Located southwest of downtown Gyeongju and surrounded by mountains, the area has long been called Naenam, meaning “the inner south,” as it lies deep beyond Namsan Mountain. Though it lies outside the city, it has also been another kind of center: a place where wind and waterways come to rest. Even today, the upper streams of the Hyeongsan River meet the ridgelines of Namsan here, while the layers of old Gyeongju’s time remain quietly accumulated.

The path to the Tomb of King Gyeongdeok is accompanied by low hills and pine woods. After passing the farm road and entering the pine forest, the fresh scent of pine greets visitors, clearing the mind.
The Tomb of King Gyeongdeok is known as the royal tomb of the 35th king of Unified Silla. Believed to have been constructed in the mid-8th century, it is now designated and managed as a historic site. Rather than standing exposed on flat land, the tomb rests on a gentle hill. From a distance, the boundary between mountain and royal mound grows indistinct, and the burial mound seems to blend into nature itself.

It was spring in the twenty-fourth year of King Gyeongdeok’s reign. Strange events had continued in the palace courtyard, where spirits were said to appear from time to time. Taking this as no ordinary matter, the king climbed the pavilion of Gujjeongmun Gate on Samjinnal, the third day of the third lunar month.
He ordered his officials to bring him a monk of dignity and spiritual depth. When he saw a monk in humble, worn clothing carrying a cherry-wood container, the king was greatly pleased and called him in.
The monk introduced himself as Chungdamsa and said he was on his way back after offering tea to Maitreya Buddha at Samhwaryeong on Namsan Mountain. At the king’s request, he brewed and served tea. Its fragrance was deep and subtle, unlike anything the king had ever tasted.
Realizing that this was the very man who had composed a song in praise of Giparang, the king asked him to offer another verse. At last, Chungdamsa composed and presented a song meaning “to bring peace to the people.” Later known as Anminga, this song spoke of the nation not in the language of rule, but in the language of care.

In front of the royal tomb stands a tall stone structure carved with ansangmun motifs. As one draws closer, the distinctive features of the tomb become clear.
Around the base of the rounded burial mound, a sturdy stone retaining structure encircles the tomb, and between its stones are carvings of the Twelve Zodiac Deities. The stonework resembles the stone foundation of a wooden building: panel stones are set upon base stones, with upright support stones placed between them like pillars.
On the support stones, at regular intervals, figures of the Twelve Zodiac Deities are carved wearing armor and holding weapons. These guardian-like figures stand around the tomb as if protecting it. Among the many details of the royal tomb, they are the ones that most naturally hold the eye. Carved in stone, these forms have kept their place for a thousand years.

More than anything, the path to the Tomb of King Gyeongdeok leaves an impression of quiet comfort. Though the pine forest stands densely around the royal tomb, as if embracing it, the scene is simply peaceful.
When the wind blows, the scent of pine drifts first, and light breaks into fine pieces between the branches. The grass upon the tomb shines with the green of summer.
According to historical records, several accounts remain regarding the burial place of King Gyeongdeok. Some say he was first buried elsewhere and later moved, and scholars still differ in their opinions as to whether the present tomb is truly his. Even so, the moment one stands before the stone enclosure and the Twelve Zodiac Deities, the time spent imagining the king and his kingdom from a thousand years ago becomes meaningful enough.

Leaving the royal tomb behind, one finds it difficult to turn away. As one walks slowly along the narrow dirt path through the pine forest, small fragments of stone sometimes come into view beneath one’s feet.
The reign of King Gyeongdeok is regarded as the height of Silla culture. Bulguksa and Seokbulsa Temples were built, Woljeonggyo Bridge was constructed, and the casting of the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok began during this period.
Behind such brilliant achievements, the king’s final resting place lies quietly here within the pine forest. The distance between the once-flourishing royal capital and this serene tomb somehow feels like the distance between present-day Gyeongju and Naenam-myeon. There are things that can only be seen when one takes a step farther inward.

This is not simply a path leading to a king’s tomb. The gentle slope following the low hills, the quiet time beneath the pine shade, and the symbols carved into stone all come together to convey the lingering texture of Silla.
Like the name Naenam itself, this is a place reached by stepping one pace farther inward from the outside. Deep within that inner space, the royal tomb one encounters is more composed than splendid, more modest than grand.
Beneath the pine shade of summer, the path to the Tomb of King Gyeongdeok continues quietly on.

King Gyeongdeok, the 35th king of Silla, reigned from 742 to 765. The son of King Seongdeok, his personal name was Heonyeong. The tomb has a round burial mound, encircled by stonework built to protect it. King Gyeongdeok pursued institutional reforms, including the reorganization of administrative districts and the system of government offices and garrisons. It is also said that Bulguksa and Seokbulsa Temples were founded, and Woljeonggyo Bridge was built, during his reign.