The King Who Bought Land from the Underworld

When the Tomb of King Muryeong was excavated, a peculiar stone tablet was discovered at the entrance of the tomb. It was a 'land purchase deed' contract, stating that King Muryeong had bought land from the deity of the underworld. Upon the death of the Baekje king, the royal family paid 10,000 coins to the land deity and legitimately purchased the burial site. The stone tablet was intricately engraved with the king's name, the boundaries of the purchased land, and the fact that the payment was made, with actual coins placed upon it. Even a king with absolute power did not arbitrarily seize the land of a deity but went through a legitimate transaction. This is an interesting fact that showcases the thorough contract spirit and worldview of the Baekje people.