In 1971, a large earthen mound was discovered in Gongju while repairing a drainage system. It turned out to be a tomb, where the remains of Muryeong, the 25th king of Baekje, had lain for some 1,500 years. Among the many treasures found inside the tomb was this small stone creature, a tomb guardian who had faithfully done its duty for over a millennium. A seoksu, or stone animal guardian, is a type of statue that was placed at or within a tomb or palace. These sculptures came in various forms, including lions,…
