Abstract
This paper tried to find out the various symbolic meanings and functions of landscape elements which Capital City of Shilla Dynasty contains, and what is the symbolism and identity of the city. Basically, this research took the thought of the place and the theory of cognition on landscape as a research tool, and undertook the process of surveying the physical surroundings of the city such as mountains, forests, tumuluses, mountain fortress walls, etc. Especially, the study referenced to a myth, thought, and a tale related to them of the surroundings. The research scope in time had been reached to the year of BC 57 which is beginning year of Shilla Dynasty form AC 467 which is year of introduction of new urban block system delivered from Dang Dynasty of ancient China. The results of research showed symbolic meanings of mountains and forests which is surrounding the Shilla capital from 4 directions of east, west, south and north. Namely, it was the places that the king of the kingdom of Shilla decent into the earth from the heaven. Also, the tumuluses which are located on the center of the capital imitated the surrounding mountains in forms, meaned the place that the dead king rised to heaven. All of these symbolized the Capital City of Dynasty as a sacred city which linked the heaven to earth, and earth to heaven. Finally, this paper suggested the Kyongju which is one of the most representative historic and tourist city in Korea should reflect this kind of symbolic meaning of ancient Capital City of Shilla Dynasty in case of arranging the urban identity plan to promote the quality of urban environment of Kyongju.