Goguryeo Kingdom


Goguryeo was established in 37 B.C, when King Dongmyeongseong founded its capital in jolbon. After defeating a slew of foreign invasions, including the hyeondogun, Goguryeo recovered all the old territories of Gojoseon by the end of the 4th century and expanded its territory to the northern parts of China. There were multiple invasions by China’s sui and tang dynasties during the 6th century, general Eulji-Mundeok and Yeon Gaesomun protected the nation with their great victories.

Goguryeo established itself as the dominant power the east asian region by controlling the widest territory in the history of Korea, we can find the secrets to Goguryeo’s brilliant culture and the powerful military by examining at the numerous murals on the tombs made by Goguryeo artisans. At the time, there was no military that would dare stand against the mighty army of Goguryeo. The grand appearance of the Goguryeo army is shown in its armor. The Chalgap, the armor used by the Goguryeo army, was made by overlapping 100 small metal pieces. The Chalgap was lighter and stronger than the plate armor of the Roman army.

What’s more, while the plate armor hindered the soldiers’ movement, the Chalgap was more flexible and thus more suitable for battle. one of the unique characteristics of the Goguryeo cavalry was that not only the soldiers but also their horses wore armor. The nail shoes were very effective against enemies. The ‘Deungja’(footstall) which fixed the trooper’s foot and reduced the risk of falling off from the horse helped the trooper easily move and thus enhanced his combat power.

The Goguryeo trooper used the Deungja around 5th century, 300 years earlier than western armies, making it the most advanced army in the world. On the murals of Goguryeo, a number of gods appear, including the gods of the sun and the moon. Also, ‘Samjokoh’, the mysterious symbolic bird of Goguryeo, appears on a wall painting along with many other mysterious creatures.

A three-legged crow is believed to live in the sun, ruling dragons and the phoenix. Sun-patterned gilt bronze of Samjokoh, which was excavated from ancient tombs of Goguryeo has a shape and beauty which is nothing like the Samjokohs of China and japan. Above all, the Goguryeo handed down not only art, but also superb music and architecture to future generations through the castles, tombs, and the picture of Grand March19 which shows more than 120 musicians marching in Anack Tomb No. 3. Goguryeo reigned as northeast Asia’s most powerful kingdom. The majesty and spirit of Goguryeo remains in the hearts of all Koreans.

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