Bullo-dong Ancient Tombs

On the low hills of Bullo-dong in eastern Daegu, hundreds of grass-covered burial mounds roll on like waves. The Bullo-dong Ancient Tombs are the graves of the elite who ruled this area around the 5th century, and in 1978 they became the first group of ancient tombs in Korea to be designated a national Historic Site (No. 262). Because you can wander the paths between the mounds right in the middle of the city, they are also one of Daegu's favourite places for a walk.

Graves of a 1,500-year-old elite

The tombs are spread over the south-western slopes of the hills of Bullo-dong and Ipseok-dong. Leaving aside those whose shape is no longer clear, 211 survive, typically 15–20 m across and 4–7 m high. Most are thought to date from around the 5th century, in the Three Kingdoms period, and to be the communal cemetery of the local ruling class who held this area for generations. The whole site covers about 312,000 m².

Inside each mound is a long, narrow chamber, its four walls built of river stones or broken stone and covered with flat slabs, topped with gravel and then earth. The unusually slender chambers and the hilltop setting are typical of the middle Nakdong River region, yet the grave goods closely resemble those of Silla, pointing to a complex local culture. Many gold and silver objects had already been looted by the time of excavation, but finds still included gold earrings, glass-bead necklaces, decorated pottery, horse bits and other harness fittings, and iron arrowheads and axes.

What to see

• Paths between the mounds: Marked trails rise and fall between the tombs. From the top of the hill, mounds large and small overlap into the distance, with the hills to the north and the city of Daegu laid out beyond.
• Lone trees: Pine trees standing singly among the mounds are favourite photo spots. One that stands on its own above the mounds is known as the "lone tree" and has become a popular spot for couples' photos. In the low light of morning and evening, the shadows bring out every curve of the mounds.
• A favourite day out: Since the mid-2010s the site has become one of Daegu's best-loved outings, drawing many people out for a walk.
• Through the seasons: From spring to early summer the mounds turn green and yellow wild flowers bloom; in autumn, silver grass sways beside the paths.

Tripto tips

• Time needed: Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to see the whole site. From the entrance to the highest point takes 30 minutes to an hour.
• Fees and hours: There is no admission fee and no time restriction. A free car park holds 100 cars.
• Free guided tours: Every year from February to November, heritage guides lead tours three times a day, at 10:00, 14:00 and 16:00.
• Getting there: The site lies just over 2 km north of Daegu International Airport. Daegu Olle Palgongsan Course 6 (the "road to Dansanji", 7.2 km) starts here and leads to Bongmu Park and its reservoir.
• Good to know: There is little shade, so avoid midday in high summer and bring water and a hat. Do not climb onto the mounds.