King Kim Suro founded Garakguk (A.D 42) as ruler of Gaya and helped to promote the
magnificent Gaya culture. The Gaya period saw the cultivation of rice and production of iron,
thereby playing a leading part in helping to form an ancient civilization in Korea. King
Suro's tomb stands as a state symbol of the Gaya culture. King Suro was also the family
founder of the Gimhae Kim and Heo families. According to legend, King Suro was the first
person to hatch from eggs. Nearby Gujibong is where golden eggs supposedly came down from
the sky, from which the King emerged. Thus his name was Suro.
Queen Inhuh was a princess of the Ayuta state
in India. Right before her death, she ordered two of her nine sons to follow her family name of
Hea, which formed the origin of the Gimhae Heo family. This is why men and women having Gimhae
Kim or Heo as their family name cannot get married.
Suro Wangneung
The tomb has been designated Historic Site #73. In 1580, the 13th year of the reign of King Seonjo
(r.1567-1608) of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), governor Ho Yop of the Yeongnam region (North
and South Gyeongsang Provinces) had the tomb repaired. There are several stone monuments to the
achievements of King Suro and buildings on the grounds, including Sungseon-jeon, which contains
the ancestral tablets. King Gojong (r. 1863-1907) named the structure Sungseon-jeon in 1878. The
gravestone in front of the tomb was erected in 1647, the 25th year of the reign of King Injo
(r. 1623-1649).
Hours: 09:00 ~ 19:00 (Nov. ~ Feb. 09:00 ~ 17:00)
Open throughout the year
Admission:
Adults: 700 won (Groups: 600 won)
Soldiers and Students: 400 won (Groups: 300 won)
Children: 300 won (Groups: 200 won)
Directions: Donggimhae Interchange .-> turn left at the first traffic signal -> National Road #14 -> Gimhae City Hall -> turn right at Gyeongnam Bank (next to former long distance bus terminal) -> turn left at the traffic signal after Joheung Bank -> on the right side after about 150 meters
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King Kim Suro founded Garakguk (A.D 42) as ruler of Gaya and helped to promote the
magnificent Gaya culture. The Gaya period saw the cultivation of rice and production of iron,
thereby playing a leading part in helping to form an ancient civilization in Korea. King
Suro's tomb stands as a state symbol of the Gaya culture. King Suro was also the family
founder of the Gimhae Kim and Heo families. According to legend, King Suro was the first
person to hatch from eggs. Nearby Gujibong is where golden eggs supposedly came down from
the sky, from which the King emerged. Thus his name was Suro.
