Changes of Tomb Style in Baekje

Tomb No. 4 lies adjacent to Tomb No. 3 and may not appear significantly different from the other tombs. However, the excavation results reveal a crucial distinction in the stone structure inside Tomb No. 4. It signifies a transition in tomb style from that of Goguryeo to Baekje.

Shall we take a look at how the style of Tomb No. 4 relates to the history of Hanseong Baekje? Before the 3rd century, Baekje was one of the many small states in the southwest area of the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, it’s highly likely that the royal tombs before the 3rd century were constructed in a different style compared to the stone mound tombs of the Seochon-dong tombs.

After the 3rd century, Baekje strengthened its royal authority and expanded its national power through the construction of Pungnaptoseong Fortress. During that time, it is believed that the giant tombs like terraced stone mound tombs as royal tombs were built under the influence of Goguryeo. Although the style was initially influenced by Goguryeo, it quickly evolved to encompass Baekje's distinctive tomb design, characterized by stone burial chambers, as seen in Tomb No. 4.