There are many earth mounds in the Daegu region that are presumed to have been constructed during Korea’s Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC to 668 AD). Some 40 earth mounds used to be situated in Daemyeong-dong, including the Namgureung mounds, which were previously located in the area that is now near Youngnam Medical Center, and the Bukgureung mounds, which were formerly located in the area that is now near the Yeongsun Market. However, urbanization gradually erased the visible mounds, transforming them into residential areas. No traces of the Daemyeong burial mounds can be seen today, but they undoubtedly remain part of Daegu’s invaluable cultural heritage.

An examination of the earth mounds scattered around Daegu and nearby areas shows that Daegu is surrounded by mountains, with Dohaksan, Hwanseongsan, Yongamsan, and other mountains spreading out to the east and Biseulsan and Paljoryeong mountains stretching out to the south. Waryongsan mountain stands proudly to the west, and to the north, the mountains around the city lead to the great mountain of Palgongsan. These mountain ranges gently circle spacious plains, with the city of Daegu standing at the center. The Shincheon Stream, which originates from Paljoryeong in the east, meets the Geumhogang River that flows northward, and together, they flow southwest to the Nakdong River, which passes through Daegu. The surrounding mountains serve to block harsh winds from reaching the city, and the waterways are lined with rich soil, creating the perfect place for the people of Daegu to build their homes from the days of old. The distribution of stone tools found in the area suggests that the area was once inhabited by ancient civilizations; however, the large groups of burial mounds piled with stone give us an even better idea of just how expansive the area surrounding Daegu was during the Three Kingdoms Period.

The stone mound area of downtown Daegu is located next to the hills (Dalseong Park), which connect in the east to Waryongsan in Daegu City. This tomb area includes the hills around Naedang-dong and Bisan-dong, the hills past the current Chunghontap Memorial Tower located in Daemyeong-dong in Namgu, and the hills to the north.

Another cluster of earth mounds can still be found in the hills 2.5 km south of the city streets. One cluster of around 20 tombs is located on the hills that stretch up from the current Chunghontap Memorial Tower; however, many of these tombs are flattened and damaged. This place is located past the swamplands in the northeast, and they are situated high up, overlooking Daegu to the north. Additionally, another group of some 30 earth mounds can still be seen on the slopes of hills to the north of the city.

The clusters of earth mounds located in Daegu City often sprawl from the city to nearby areas. Some 70 to 80 ancient tombs of varying sizes are located on the hills to the north of the villages of Haeanmyeon, which is around 7 km to the northeast of Daegu, and Hwawonmyeon, which is around 12 km to the northwest of Daegu. These tombs are already well known.

Many of the ancient mounds, however, have been robbed long ago or are no longer in their original form, having been gradually damaged by hoes and spades as the region has been gradually industrialized. In particular, the borders of the nearby cities have also expanded over time, damaging or destroying many of the original ancient tombs located in the outskirts of the cities. Therefore, it is important to conduct research on the ancient mounds before they are destroyed and to permanently record the condition of each mound at the time of its excavation, especially if they cannot be preserved in their original form.

Tomb #7 is located about 7 m to the west of ancient Tomb #2. The foot of the tomb has been scraped away with only the topsoil remaining. The base of the tomb is estimated to be 12 m in width and 14m in length. Relics that have been found at the tomb include a sword with a ring pommel, a silver dagger, metal fragments, and earrings, among other things.

Around 100 m to the northwest of Tomb #7 is a round tomb about 13m in maximum length. The tomb is low and flat, and is only 1.5 m tall at its southern end. It is covered with brown soil with a high clay content, which comes from the mountain rocks that have broken down over time. When the tomb was excavated, neatly organized rows of earthenware were found on both sides of the tomb, and an iron sword was found at the center. The structure of the tomb is similar to that of the tomb in Namgureung.

The tomb’s exterior has been severely damaged due to the tomb’s proximity to a wet rice paddy located at the foot of the hill. Found in the shape of an oval measuring approximately 7 m in length and 1.25 m in width, the tomb was plundered by thieves years ago, and only pieces of earthenware, whips, and a helmet remain.

There is another large tomb in this same area located near the peak of the hill (or gureung) that measures approximately 15.5m in length, 15 m in width, and 3 m in height. The floor of the tomb was lined with straw-woven mats (around 40 cm) that were found lying parallel to one another. Other relics were found inside the tomb, including earthenware, ironwork, whips, and dagger fragments.