Kang Seok-Gyung`s essay collection, `Way to Royal Tomb`

Novelist Kang Seok-Gyung has published a book of essays called "Way to the Royal Tomb" (Changbi Publishers Co.), containing details of the lives of the Shilla Dynasty kings.

Kang, who has lived in Kyongju, ancient capital city of the Shilla Kingdom (B.C. 57-935), since 1995, said she found clues pointing to connections between the people of the Shilla period and those in modern times at the royal tombs scattered throughout the city.

She wrote the essays based on the results of her "meditations" on 11 different themes like civilization, tenacity and dreams.

Compared to Yoo Hong-Jun's "My Exploration of Cultural Heritages," which reviewed tangible relics of the Shilla civilization, like buildings and temples, Kang's book examines the intangible civilization of the Shilla people, or their spirit.

Strolling about the tomb of King Sok Tal-Hae, she meditates in the book on this civilization. Quoting tales of this king, who introduced ironware here, she points out that this innovation led to the creation of civilized society but also sounded the death knell for a civilization based on community.

The book includes references to classics, poetry and movies and makes readers feel as if they are taking a leisurely stroll through a royal tomb.

Looking around the tombs of King Hongang and Samnung, the writer sees the modern look of Choyong, as seen in the movies "Unagi," and "General."

In discussing the value of women, she even discusses the so-called O-yang and B-yang tapes, sex videos which scandalized a local actress two years ago and a popular singer late last month.

Kang's book of essays appears 10 years after she published "A Trip to India" in 1990.