A Study on the Landscape of the 3~5th Centuries Goguryeo Stone Mound Tomb in Tonggu Tumuli

A significant evolution in the spatial organization and grandeur of Goguryeo stone mound tombs (3rd–5th centuries CE) is documented, with a shift from dense clustering to more exclusive, hierarchically structured burial zones by the late 4th century. This transformation reflects heightened ritual solemnity, as larger, more elevated tombs—reserved for royalty or elites—emerged alongside smaller, densely packed graves, suggesting a growing emphasis on social differentiation and ceremonial display. The study analyzes spatial patterns (e.g., mound arrangements, burial surface elevations) in the Tonggu Tumuli complex, revealing how these changes interacted with broader landscape perceptions to reinforce Goguryeo's urban and symbolic imagery.

Jang, J. (2021). A Study on the Landscape of the 3~5th Centuries Goguryeo Stone Mound Tomb in Tonggu Tumuli. Korean Ancient Historical Society, 114, 157–188. https://doi.org/10.18040/sgs.2021.114.157