[NATIONAL TREASURE] Goguryeobi Monument, Chungju

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[NATIONAL TREASURE] Goguryeobi Monument, Chungju

National Treasure No. 205 [CULTURAL HERITAGE ADMINISTRATION]

National Treasure No. 205 [CULTURAL HERITAGE ADMINISTRATION]

 
Name: Goguryeobi Monument, Chungju
 
Period: Goguryeo (37 B.C. to A.D. 668)
 
Location: Chungju, North Chungcheong
 
Status: National Treasure No. 205
 
This is the only existing Commemorative Stone from the Goguryeo period on the Korean Peninsula.
 
The monument was set up to commemorate the occupation of a number of fortresses along the Namhangang River by Goguryeo troops. It was discovered in 1979 in a village named Ipseok.
 
The monument had been severely eroded when discovered.
 
It is in the form of a natural stone pillar, a smaller version of the monument to King Gwanggaeto of Goguryeo located in Manchuria, China.
 
Inscriptions are engraved on four sides, but only the letters on the front and one side are legible. Based on the mention of the King of Goryeo in the preface of the inscription (meaning Goguryeo), the inclusion of official posts unique to Goguryeo, and terms referring to Silla used by Goguryeo, this is undoubtedly a Goguryeo monument.
 
Judging from what is legible, the monument is believed to date to the late fifth century when King Jangsu of Goguryeo moved the capital to Pyongyang and extended the dynasty's territory southward to the basin of the Han River.
 
With its valuable content illustrating relations between Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje, this monument is of great importance in the study of Korean history.
 
The photos and text for National Treasure are provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration. For more information, call (042) 481-4650 or visit www.cha.go.kr.  
 
 
 
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