Throughout the five-thousand-year history of the Korean nation, the legacy of Koguryo stands tall as an enduring symbol of strength and cultural brilliance. As a formidable kingdom with vast territories and an advanced civilization, Koguryo remains a great source of pride for the Korean people.
Dedicated to deepening the understanding of this ancient kingdom and enriching the nation’s historical heritage, researchers at the Archaeology Research Office of the History Department at Kim Il Sung University have made significant contributions to uncovering the past.
For many years, this research group has focused on studying both Dangun Joseon and Koguryo. Under the leadership of the late Professor Chae Hui Guk (채희국), a renowned historian and a respected scholar of Koguryo history, numerous Koguryo relics and sites have been excavated. Professor Chae, who devoted his life to the study of Koguryo under the direct guidance of the Great Leader Kim Il Sung, played a pivotal role in revealing the kingdom’s rich past.
One of the earliest and most significant projects undertaken by the research group was the excavation of Anhak Palace, the royal palace of Koguryo, located in Taesong District in Pyongyang. This area was home to numerous historical remains, including royal tombs and cultural relics, reflecting the advanced civilization of Koguryo. Despite the vast scope of the excavation and many challenges faced, the team pressed forward with determination, simultaneously conducting research on the discovered artifacts.
Through a careful analysis of historical records and relics left by their ancestors, the researchers were able to reconstruct aspects of Koguryo society, including its political, economic, and cultural development. Their findings confirmed that Pyongyang was the capital of Koguryo from 427 to 586, following its relocation from Ji’an in present-day China. During this period, Koguryo was a powerful and thriving kingdom.
The research team continued their efforts by excavating the tomb of King Tongmyong (Dongmyeong), the legendary founder of Koguryo, along with many other historical sites. Their studies shed light on Koguryo’s territorial expansion efforts toward the south, the process of national unification, and the kingdom’s impressive military strength, which spanned 6,000 ri from east to west and 5,000 ri from north to south.
Based on these discoveries, the researchers published several scholarly works, including A Study on Koguryo Relics in the Taesongsan Area, King Tongmyong of Koguryo, The Tomb of King Tongmyong and Nearby Relics, and Research on Koguryo History. These publications provided scientific evidence refuting the false claims made by Japanese and other revisionist historians who attempted to distort and downplay the significance of Koguryo’s history.
The research team also made remarkable progress in studying Koguryo’s fortifications, artifacts, and tombs. As a militarily powerful nation, Koguryo built numerous fortresses to defend against foreign invasions. These fortifications, along with the artifacts and tombs left by their ancestors, serve as a testament to the kingdom’s remarkable ingenuity and patriotism.
Their efforts led to the discovery and verification of many ancient fortresses, particularly in the northwestern regions of Korea. In the early days of these studies, young and passionate researchers, including Dr. Nam Il Ryong (남일룡), dedicated their youth to uncovering and analysing the remains of these ancient strongholds. Some of them spent years away from their families, sacrificing personal milestones—such as missing their child’s first birthday or leaving behind ailing spouses—to dedicate themselves to the study of history.
Believing that no gaps should exist in the nation’s history, these dedicated scholars revealed the locations of dozens of fortresses and reconstructed Koguryo’s military defense system. They were in awe of how Koguryo had fortified its capital and built an extensive defense network that transformed the entire nation into an impenetrable stronghold. Their research culminated in the publication of The Defense System of Northwestern Korea in the Middle Ages.
Researchers conducting academic discussions
In addition, the team expanded their research to include Chongam-dong Fortress, the capital city of Kojoson, and Taesongsan Fortress, which served as the capital defense system of Koguryo. These studies played a crucial role in reconstructing the history of Koguryo and solidifying its place in Korean history.
Beyond fortifications, researchers in the field of archaeology also explored Koguryo’s contributions to cultural development. They uncovered salt production sites in Onchon County, Nampo, demonstrating Koguryo’s advanced techniques in salt extraction and production. Their findings provided scientific proof of the kingdom’s economic and technological advancements.
Furthermore, experts in the study of ancient tombs investigated Koguryo’s mural tombs, which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. They identified the locations of these tombs, analyzed their artistic depictions of daily life, and documented the evolution of decorative patterns and celestial motifs found in the murals. Excavations in the Taesong District of Pyongyang revealed significant artifacts that illustrated the high level of cultural sophistication in Koguryo and its influence on neighboring kingdoms such as Baekje and Gaya.
Thanks to the dedication of these historians, the truth about Koguryo’s past continues to be uncovered. Driven by their deep love for their homeland and national heritage, these scholars have walked an uncharted path to bring history to light. Their relentless efforts ensure that the legacy of Koguryo remains a source of pride and inspiration for future generations.
