Have you heard of Operation Fox Hunt?
It involves a tragedy that happened in Korea.

It was about 120 years ago.

A queen of Korea was brutally assassinated.
The assassin was hired by the Japanese government.

The Eulmi Incident (1895)
Murder of Queen Myeongseong

Japan wanted to reinforce its influence on the Korean peninsula.

For this purpose, Japanese Consul Miura Goro masterminded the murder of the queen.

Japan called this secret plan “Operation Fox Hunt.”

Japan considered Queen Myeongseong to be the biggest obstacle to its annexation of Korea.

Japan killed the queen to eliminate the obstacle.

The queen tried to inform the world about Japan’s plan to incorporate Korea.

She wanted to protect Korea by appealing to the international community.

She used all her international connections.

The queen did more than diplomats in raising global awareness of the situation in Korea.

There were some foreigners who watched her closely.
The following will show how they assessed her qualities.

“She was well informed about international politics. She was a competent diplomat, who was exceptional at proving the weaknesses of the opposition.”

The queen disapproved of Japan. She was also patriotic and devoted to serving the country.

She was not like other queens in Asia.
- Mrs. Lillias Horton Underwood, the wife of Missionary Horace G. Underwood

“The queen was ambitious, brilliant and shrewd. She was very charming and lovely in many aspects.”
- Mrs. Isabella Bird Bishop

“The queen was a well-read, intelligent and strong-willed woman.”

“She was an exceptional politician and diplomat, who devoted her life to Joseon’s independence.”
- Mr. William Franklin Sands, US diplomat to Korea

For the Japanese government, Queen Myeongseong was undoubtedly the biggest obstacle.

They referred to her as an old fox, and made an assassination plan named “Operation Fox Hunt.”

On October 8, 1895, twenty Japanese assassins snuck into the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

They used their swords to kill the queen and mutilate her body.

They burned her body near the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion.

The queen’s murder shocked and angered the people of Korea.

After her death, Japan accelerated their diplomatic efforts to justify their annexation plan.

Japan intensively lobbied the world powers.

The Taft-Katsura Agreement
A secret agreement reached in 1905 between Japan and the United States

The U.S. agreed to Japan’s dominance over Korea in return for Japan’s support of U.S. rule over the Philippines.

The Treaty of Portsmouth
A treaty signed in September 1905 between Japan and Russia

Russia agreed to Japan’s control of Korea.

Japanese imperialism left deep scars in the minds of Korean people. 

Japan left another lasting scar on the Korean peninsula.

Japan’s incorporation of Dokdo

On February 8, 1904, Japan launched a project to remove Russia’s influence from Korea.

Japan waged the Russo-Japanese War to strengthen Japan’s control over Korea.

Japan threatened the Joseon court to support their war.

Japan coerced Korea into signing a protocol that gave Japan the right to use Korean territory for military purposes.

Japan soon recognized the military strategic value of Dokdo.

“Now is the time to initiate the annexation of Korea.”
“Dokdo is in a great strategic location to establish a watchtower and install radio or submarine cables to detect the movements of enemy ships.
- Yamaza Enjiro, Director of the Political Affairs Bureau, Japan 

Japan decided to incorporate Dokdo to use it as a logistics base.

On February 22, 1905, the Shimane Prefecture issued Public Notice #40.

By doing so, Japan incorporated Dokdo.

They defeated the Russian fleet and won the war.

The incorporation of Dokdo was only the beginning of Japan’s imperialistic activities.

In November 1905, Japan forced Korea to sign the Eulsa Protectorate Treaty and took away Korea’s diplomatic rights.

Five years later, in 1910, Japan colonized Korea.

Exploitation of resources
Slaughter of civilians
Forced conscriptions
Military sex slaves (“comfort women”)
Torture and abuse

Until independence in 1945, Korean people were scarred and deeply wounded.

Japan attempted to suppress Korean national identity.

Koreans were forced to change their surnames to Japanese names.

Schools were forced to teach Japanese instead of Korean.

Japan also distorted Korean history to destroy its national identity. 

Japan tried to brainwash Korean people into believing the justification of the annexation.

The Manchurian Incident in 1931
The Sino-Japanese War in 1937
The Pacific War in 1941

Japan sent young Korean men to battle to fulfill its imperialistic ambition.

As the war became unfavorable, Japan made them into suicide bombers, the Kamikaze.

Korea’s natural resources were taken to be used as war supplies.

Korean people were made into soldiers and slaves.

The entire peninsula became a logistics base for Japanese wars.

The incorporation of Dokdo was the beginning of all this suffering.

For Koreans, sovereignty over Dokdo is not just about a small island.

In the 1900s, many Asian countries suffered from imperialism.

Korea was also deprived of its sovereignty and history.
Dokdo is a symbol of the full recovery of our national sovereignty.

“Japan will be expelled from all other territories which she has taken by violence and greed.”
- Cairo Declaration (November 27, 1943)

Japan’s surrender in 1945
Japan promised to acknowledge that Korea shall be free and independent.

In the Potsdam Declaration, Japan agreed to implement the Cairo Declaration.

On January 29, 1946, the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers issued SCAPIN 677.

This document commanded Japan to abandon its administrative authority over Dokdo.  

Japan shall recognize the independence of Korea, renounce all right, title and claim to Korea, including Jejudo, Geomundo and Ulleungdo. 
- The Treaty of San Francisco (1951)

The international community clearly recognized that Dokdo is a Korean territory.

Over 60 years have passed since the independence of Korea.

Japan is again claiming sovereignty over Dokdo.

This indicates that Japan is still trying to deny Korea’s full independence and sovereignty.

Japan is asking for rights to a territory that it took by force during its imperial period.

Thus, Japan’s claim over Dokdo is the same as its justification of its imperialistic history.

In Dokdo, there is a special rock in the shape of the Korean peninsula.
This rock, called Korea Rock, indicates who Dokdo belongs to.

For Koreans, Dokdo symbolizes the independence of Korea.

After the incorporation of Dokdo in 1905, Korea lost its sovereignty and all of its rights.

During the Japanese occupation, many innocent lives were lost.

The Japanese Occupation Period left unforgettable scars on the Korean people.
Japan is now making aggressive moves to claim sovereignty over Dokdo.

Reinforcing the imperialistic past is like moving history backward.

This is the very reason why Koreans cannot tolerate Japan’s claim over Dokdo.

VANK is here with its 100 thousand Korean members.
 
Our goal is to prevent tragedies such as what happened to us. 

This is why we are promoting Dokdo to the world.

Historically, geographically and legally, Dokdo is undoubtedly a Korean territory.

Protecting Dokdo is our effort to protect peace in Asia.

Japan was forced to sign an unequal treaty by U.S. Commodore Perry commanding black ships in 1853 and to open its doors wide when it chose the path of openness and reform. In 1868, Japan resolutely carried out Meiji Restoration. However, there were incessant power struggles for leadership after initiating Meiji Restoration and daunting forces opposing the Restoration. Protecting the Japanese independence from external threats and rallying its people by overcoming internal chaos were most urgent and imperative matter for the Restoration to achieve. Exactly at the time of such needs in 1873, the Seikanron debate or the debate to conquer Korea emerged.

At the center of such debate, there was Yoshida Shoin. “The way to surmount threats facing Japan is to conquer Joseon, make it our tributary and advance into the Asian continent”, said Yoshida Shoin. There was another man who argued for conquest of Joseon. It was Saigo Takamori. In the summer of 1873, he who held real power over the government demanded that the Meiji government dispatch him to Korea as an ambassador plenipotentiary whose job is to negotiate with Korea.

He argued that once he was sent as an ambassador plenipotentiary calling upon Korea to open its doors, he would be murdered and then such murder would provide Japan with justification of sending troops to Korea with purpose of conquering Korea in the end. “Desire for internal chaos harbored by Japanese should be redirected to a foreign land, meaning Korea, for the sake of national advance”, said Saigo Takamori. The Cabinet council granted his request, and the Japanese King also approved. The tragic fact is that Yoshida Shoin and Saigo Takamori are still two of the most revered historical figures in Japan.

Eventually, Japan led its battleship Unyo and invaded Korea. After tasting its victory, Japan demanded that Joseon open its ports and sign an unequal treaty. There was a false report saying that Battleship Unyo was attacked first by Korea when it tried to cast anchor for water at Ganghwa Island. Yet, the report was proven false later by Japanese documents confirming that it was Japan who provoked first while fully equipped to stage a battle.

On August 29, 1910, Japan got hold of the Korean peninsula in the end. Intentions of Yoshida Shoin and Saigo Takamori to conquer Joseon were fulfilled. From then on, Japan began a chapter of the most brutal history of occupation rule in the world. Firstly, Japan distorted the ancient Korean history by turning the history of Dangun in the ancient Joseon into some kind of a myth. And, the Korean history once reigning over Manchuria was reduced to the one controlling the area below Amnok and Duman rivers. Koreans were forced to adopt Japanese names by imperialist Japan and were banned to use Korean, which were representative ethnic cleansing policies of Japan.

In the Second World War, many young Korean girls were dragged to battlefields to be used as sex slave serving Japanese soldiers. Many Korean men were mobilized to fight in this war through conscription and drafting. Unit 731, notorious for the most inhumane war crimes ever recorded in the history of the mankind, undertook lethal human experimentations whose cruelty overwhelms that of Auschwitz concentration camp. In particular, Koreans served the Japanese King as God under coercion and saw many religious people shedding blood, which left a huge scar.

Thousands of cultural properties were stolen and many intellectuals and artists slain behind bars by imperialist Japan. Still, Japan distorts and covers up its history of aggression and occupation rule and is constantly embroiled in historical disputes with neighboring countries including Korea and China. Ishihara Shintaro, Governor of Tokyo: “The Japanese occupation rule was humanitarian and humane.” Koizumi Junichiro, Former Japanese prime minister: He paid homage at the Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines Japan’s war dead.

Japan is taking an exactly opposite course of action compared to Germany that has once again become a member of Europe and the world through thorough reflection of its past wrongdoings. Of late, the part about the Seikanron debate or the debate to conquer Korea was removed from Japanese high school textbooks. The part that mentions Saiko Takamori arguing to invade Korea even by force in order to force its doors open was deleted to justify its history of aggression.

Dokdo, in particular, is an island with tragic history in that it was the first territorial part of Korea occupied by imperialist Japan. Now, the island is now formally included as Korean territory. But, Japan is trying to rewind the clock to go back to the colonial period. At the moment, Japanese students throughout primary, junior high and high schools are taught that Dokdo falls under the Japanese territory. This is indeed the repetition of its history of imperialist aggression. Compensation paid by the Japanese government for comfort women who were dragged to battlefields as sex slave serving the Japanese army was mere one dollar, which infuriated Koreans even further. This history is not a thing of the past but is shackles that fetter the relations between Korea and Japan at present and in the future.

About 100 years ago, Japans started Sino-Japanese war and Russo-Japanese war on the Korean peninsula with pretexts of protecting Korea and realizing peace in Asia. But, these wars only filled pockets of Japan with abundant resources belonging to other Asian countries, helping it amass huge wealth and thus invest in the defense industry that provided for the Second World War.

Ultimately, Japan became a nation that committed war crimes in the Second World War and its pursuit of realizing peace in Asia presented misfortunes to Asians. Even today in Jeju island of Korea, there are military facilities from the era of the Second World War, which were used by the Japanese army for the Pacific war. And, throughout Asia, there are vestiges of Japanese imperialism.

Now, after 100 years, the cyber diplomatic mission VANK is nurturing young Korean people to be Asian peacemakers with an aim to realize true peace in Asia in the 21st century. These people trained by VANK will make Korea an Asian hub of peace and lead changes in the world.

Joseon was the nation that succeeded Goryeo, established by Yi Seong-gye. Joseon dynasty is especially important in Korean history, since it is the period when the Korean alphabet – Hangeul – was created.

Hangeul was created by the scholars of Jiphyeonjeon, the hall of worthies under the order of king Sejong the great in 1446. It is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of Koreans. Hangeul was created for the common people who were found it difficult to read and write chinese characters.

UNESCO registered Hangeul as a valuable memory of the world and created the king sejong literacy prize and awards this prize every year to those who have contributed to the eradication of illiteracy. Discovery magazine Discovery reported that Hangeul is the most logical alphabets in the world in terms of originality and efficiency, especially for its combination of symbols. Discovery magazine reported Korea to have the highest literacy rate in the world because of Hangeul.

Joseon was also excellent in the field of architecture and constructing ships. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, built under the rule of King jeongjo, is considered to be the finest example of all Asian fortresses due to its functional structure. Suwon Hwaseong fortress combined both Eastern and Western military theories, and its strong defense and high aesthetic value are both recognized worldwide.

The Turtle Ship, was invented and built by Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Because he predicted an invasion by the Japanese. Geobukseon, ship was shaped like a turtle, with its shell pierced with countless augers, and its figurehead was a dragon’s head. There were cannons stationed at each sides of the ship. The war made an about face because of the battle of hansando island,15 considered to be one of the world’s four greatest naval battles.

This is the Cheugugi, the gauge to measure rainfall. invented in 1441, it was the world’s first gauge to measure rainfall. However, the oldest extant cheugugi was created in 1837, and it has the name of the historical era of qing China – Geonryung – on it. Because of this, scholars have considered this to be an invention of China, not Joseon.

However, according to Sejong sillok, the annals of king Sejong, prince Munjong designed the Cheugugi in may 1441. This precedes the qing China’s year of Geonryung by more than 300 years. The record also showed that the Cheugugi was distributed across the country. Therefore, the Koreans were able to protect a precious legacy that was almost stolen by the Chinese. The Cheugugi precede s the one invented by the Italian m athematician Castelli in 1639 by 200 years, and its invention is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of not only the joseon, but indeed in the history of science in Asia.

This apparatus is a celestial globe, the Honcheonui, the astronomical clock in Joseon. This is a perfect celestial globe which has the nine pl ates that contain the horizon, meridian, equator, tropic, polar circle, ecliptic, and so on. Honcheonui invented by Eastern old technology of clock manufacture and Western technology of mechanical clock manufa cture, is acknow ledged as a great cultural heritag e from a world historian of science.

In addition, invented in detail to inform the difference of the length of the time as change of season. Jagyeongnu which is the standard clock of Joseon is the famous invention of Joseon which inform the time by a drum and bell. Joseon was one of the most scientifically advanced civilizations in the world.

In 918, King Taejo Wanggeon established the Goryeo Dynasty, turning a new chapter in history, ushering in the middle ages, and closing the book on ancient times.

Goryeo was famous across the world for its publishing. They printed the oldest metal type printed book, Buljo jikji Simcheyojeol in 1377, which was 78 years earlier than Gutenberg’s work. Jikji, as it is known, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2001, alongside Gutenberg’s “42-line Bible”. Jikji, as the world’s oldest extant metal type printed book, was designated the greatest invention of the last 1000 years and “the first information revolution” by the New York Times.

The Palmandaejanggyeong Buddhist scriptures, also known the Tripitaka Koreana, made by Goryeo, had some 80,000 pieces, which delivered hope to Goryeo in times of national crisis. Palmandaejanggyeong means 84,000 Buddhist priestly teachings, which correspond to the number of worldly desires.

One obstacle to early printing efforts was proper ventilation. Early Goryeo prototypes for wooden typesets guaranteed ventilation and prevented corrosion by using different sizes for the upper and lower winders. The secret of ventilation the buildings housing the press lay in its floor. The floor was hardened by salt, coral, and lime, so it absorbed moisture during the rainy season and held it during the dry season.

Word of the Goryeo Dynasty spread across the world as a trade powerhouse. Brisk trade activities in the outport of Byeognando in Gaegyeong, its capital city, took place between the merchants of Goryeo and merchants from China, Japan, Arabia, and even Persia. Goryeo exported mainly ginseng, agricultural implements, and ceramics, and imported glasses, crafted products, books, and silk. Trade with “Goryeo” gave Korea its name to the western world.

When Genghis Khan and his Mongol armies were conquering continents, Goryeo did not escape invasion. Goryeo held off their invaders for 40 years, handing them three defeats in battle and severely wounding their pride.

But a country can only withstand so much: after 40 years of invasion and devastation, Goryeo surrendered. But not everyone raised the white flag. Sambyeolcho, armed forces, established an independent government and protested against the Mongolian government for three years. Although Sambyeolcho was completely destroyed in 1273 by the Goryeo–Mongolian allied forces, Sambyeolcho held strong the spirit of Goryeo and today remains a symbol of national spirit and patriotic pride.

Goryeo’s ceramics rivaled its printing techniques in recognition. Goryeo Blue Celadons were highly appraised and sought by the upper classes of China.

In A.D. 698, 30 years after Goguryeo collapsed, Dae Joyoung, a general of Goguryeo, who continued to resist the Tang, founded the Balhae nation with the migrants of Goguryeo and parties of Malgal. As Balhae asserted that Balhae is the successor of Goguryeo, Balhae tried to expand of a territory, so Balhae gained power of the northeast and every region north of manchuria. Balhae took back most of the territory of Goguryeo.

However, today, China is distorting our history of Balhae, and claiming that they were minority race in their empire. China asserts that Balhae was not an independent country but a local government of Tang because the king of Balhae was a vassal of the king of dang. Especially the castle Sanggyeong, in the capital city of Balhae, was the biggest city and was twice the size of Jang-An of the Tang.

Although a place of well made by typical method of Goguryeo and the heritage ondol native to Korea, China shuts off from the outside world and is going to restore them as the method of Tang from 2002. After restoration, it must be the plan to be acknowledged as Balhae is the partial of the chinese history as registering to world cultural heritage.

However, Balhae is an independent nation not related to Tang, and many have proven that Balhae is our history from which Goguryeo was promulgated.

First, the five metallic currency Balhae tongbo, assumed that it was excavated in Sanggyeong Yongcheonbu in 1930s, was proved as the metallic currency of Balhae based of the result of criticism. In this metallic currency, Balhae tongbo letters, reign year, and the range of territory was carved. China has no record that China engraved reign year and the range of territory. Balhae tongbo is the important evidence against Chinese northeast asia project.

Second, sonkkut munui, fingertipspatterned roof tile which is the native tile of Balhae was excavated in Cheonchu and Seomyo tombs which are the representative royal tombs of Goguryeo in China’s jiban city. Sonkkut munui roof tile, which was carved the end of five fingers on the edge, is the only discovery in the heritage of Balhae. Discovering this tile in an old tomb of Goguryeo is epoch-making evidence which proves that Balhae was a successor of Goguryeo such as managing an old tomb of Goguryeo.

Third, a tomb of princess Jeonghye who is the second princess of the third king Mun of Balhae which was constructed by same tomb-making method as Goguryeo’s, stone chamber tombs with tunnel entrance. Stone chamber tombs with tunnel entrance have walls laid up with faced stones, and their ceilings have the mojulim-structure(Goguryeo’s ceiling structure). It is recorded that especially at the cemetery stone, princess Jeonghye had a three-year funeral this kind of funeral tradition is same as Goguryeo’s.

Fourth, Balhae had ondol likewise Goguryeo and succeeded many features of Goguryeo such as fortification, residing style, and appliance. Also, in King mu’s credentials which were sent to Japan in 727, it is written that they recovered original region of Goguryeo and kept customs from Buyeo. At that time, Japanese also called their envoys sent to Balhae ‘Goryeosa’, so we know they recognized Balhae and Goguryeo are the same country. The Chinese representative poet and translator of a diplomatic document for Balhae, Lee Tae Bak’s poetry ‘Okrokchongdam’, the evidence that balhae was called ‘foreign country’, not Tang’s local government, and chinese representative history book ‘Gudangseo’ which recorded the history of Balhae also recorded that Balhae Dae Joyoung was a family of Goguryeo.

There was a lot of difficulty researching Balhae, but we are getting accomplishments confronting to chinese history distortion through recent excavations and an academic interchange with Russia. Also the fact that the national central museum opened an exhibit for Balhae in 2005 was a very important step to make nations and foreign visitors recognize that balhae is a part of Korean history.

Through a port blessed with natural advantages in then-Gimhae Bay, presently known as Gimhae Plain after the sea dried up, Gaya enjoyed its heyday with its expertise in intermediary trade by exporting iron to Silla, Japan and China and created a unique culture by embracing diverse cultures of others.

The first feature of Gaya culture. Delicate and elaborate craftsmanship Gaya culture was less flamboyant than that of Silla and was distinctive in that it made use of much glass and jade instead of gold and silver. Its cultural heritage, such as earthenware, helmet, armor, saddlery with which people of Gaya used to ride or manage a horse as well as gold crown, features sharper and more delicate craftsmanship compared to Silla. When an old tomb from the latter days of Gaya was unearthed, Gaya’s advanced iron making and mastery became pronounced through other excavated goods such as iron arrowhead, iron helmet, sword and other weapons made of iron as well as helmet, armor and accessories.

The second feature of Gaya culture. Creative earthenware and iron culture Gaya’s earthenware was made of sand-free mud and created employing a novel method of using a spinning wheel. Such method influenced the way Japan made its earthenware. Its representative piece of work is a vessel in the shape of a warrior on horseback, which was estimated to be made in around the 5th century. This invaluable vessel says much about how advanced Gaya was in terms of making earthenware.

Another artifact is a vessel in the shape of a shallow-draft boat with a flat bottom. Its color, feel of material and patterns embody characteristics of Gaya vessels well. Especially, Wooreuk created Gayageum or a twelve-stringed Korean harp and handed it down to Silla where his music became central to Silla’s court music. This clearly shows how advanced Gaya culture had been. After the demise of Gaya, its people were admitted to Silla while members of the royal family Kim of Geumgwan Gaya became Jingol noble classes and Kim Yu-shin of Gaya descent contributed to the unification of the three kingdoms by Silla. After his death, the general received the posthumous appellation of King Heungmu the Great and was revered as one of Silla kings. Descendants of the royal family Kim of Gaya live by one of major family names in Korea, Kim, especially those Gimhae Kim clan.

Controversy over a Japanese outpost in Imna(Mimana)
A theory that Gaya was a tributary of Wae of northern Kyushu in Japan argues that Japan conquered the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, then Gaya, where it established a Japanese outpost. In particular, there are even records of King of Japan reigning over Silla, Baekje and Goguryeo through this outpost. This theory was fabricated colonial history with which Japan used to justify its invasion and colonization against and of Joseon. However, the theory is still deemed as the truth by Japanese of today and is used with educational purposes to justify Japan’s colonization of Korea.

The first controversy – Did a Japanese outpost exist?
In conclusion, the outpost did not exist. In the chapter on Gangsu in Samguksagi, historic records of the Three Kingdoms, there is a part that mentions the area called ‘Imna Garyang’. It is easily apparent that Imna is Geumgwan Gaya considering the monument erected at a tomb for the Great Buddist Monk Jingyeong that mentions of Kim Yu-shin, also posthumously known as King Heungmu the Great, of the Imna royal family descent. Regarding the theory of Japan establishing an outpost in Imna, Korea-Japan Joint History Research Committee agreed recently that the outpost did not exist and, in turn, the Japanese academic world has finally negated the theory completely.

The second controversy. Nihon shoki – The conquest of the three kingdoms by Empress Jingu In Nihon shoki, also known as the Chronicles of Japan, a fictitious character appears as Empress Jingu. It is written in the Chronicles that the Empress conquered Gaya in the year of 369, established a Japanese outpost in Imna, reigned over it as its tributary and fell to Silla in the year of 562. The Chronicles are now suspected of having made up the myth about Empress Jingu in order to strengthen royal powers of the King at that time. Details of the Chronicles seem to be a patchwork of historical records written by Baekje, which had been arbitrarily modified to serve intentions of Japan. Moreover, the reality is that not only Korea and China but also Japan does not agree to literal translation of the Chronicles.

Archeologically, a theory of Empress Jingu of Japan conquering Gaya in the 4th century is false. Back then, Gaya had advanced military culture under which it managed organized army equipped with diverse saddlery and plate armor that are produced using its iron making skills. By comparison, Japan lagged far behind Gaya since it could not even make a smelting furnace for iron making until the early 6th century. Also, there is no evidence of Japan managing organized army at this time since only rudimentary weapons, such as daggers or thin double-edged swords, were used. Thus, most of scholars discount the theory of Japan making Gaya as its tributary and of Empress Jingu conquering the Three Kingdoms as only a myth.

The third controversy. Missing letters in the inscription of the Great King Gwanggaeto Tombstone In particular, there are five worn-out letters that were supposed to be about the Year of the Hare in 391 in the inscription.

“百殘新羅舊是屬民由來朝貢而倭以辛卯年來□□□百殘□□新羅以臣民” 

When Japanese scholars tried to translate the missing part, they suggested a liberal translation that says, “Japan crossed the sea, crushed Baekje, Imna and Silla and subjugated their people.” However, the inscription of the Great King Gwanggaeto Tombstone was inscribed to record history of Goguryeo. Therefore, the Japanese supposition of the missing part to be about Japan is not plausible.

The fourth controversy. Gaya people who moved to Japan
According to archeological evidence and records thus-far unearthed, it is presumed that Gaya was not a tributary to Japan but actually it was Japan that might have been part of the Gaya confederacy or that might have broken off from Gaya before the 4th century. Japan’s population growth, in particular, was explosive around the 4th century. Compared to the average population growth of a typical agrarian society of the days, it would be impossible to explain such explosive and even mysterious population growth without factoring in the possibility of influx of people from other regions.

The layout of the ancient Japan’s founding myth is the same as that of Gaya, and many remains of the ancient Japan were excavated in Gaya. The background of the ancient Japanese dynasty named Gujihurubong also sounds similar to Gujibong of Gimhae in Korea. Above all, Japan was building its national foundations as it received iron making skills of Gaya. Even though there are diverse theories thrown around, the possibility of Gaya people moving to Japan is still valid.

The year of 57BC marks the beginning of the Silla Kingdom. Together with the Goguryeo and Baekje, Silla was the third of the Three States Era, controlling the southeastern region of the Korean peninsula for 1000 years. Fostered dramatic development in the sciences, mathematics, culture and religion.

Cheomseongdae is one of the world’s oldest surviving observatories, provides us a glimpse of Silla interest in science and scientific technology. Structures and edifices of Silla temples and stone towers are extraordinarily well balanced and show early advances in dynamics and mathematics. Grotto at Bulguksa temple remarkable proportions of hexagons, octagons, squares, applied trigonometry. The parthenon, Seokguram grotto shows beauty and elegance, with more optimal proportions.

Silla people could rightly boast of their metallurgy techniques. Representative case is the Banggangsayusang. Mysterious smile hinting at sadnesscurves knots rhythmical formative arts of Korean Buddhism are widely praised for their virtuosity, even compared with those of japan and China. Thanks to Silla’s highly developed printing and paper making technology, Daedharanigyeong, the “Dharani sutra”,9 the oldest book printed by wooden type plates in Korea is also the world’s oldest.

Silla Kingdom endured for more than 1000 years. Hwarang10, was an elite group of male youth responsible for the dynasty’s endurance. Taught in the educational principles of loyalty, filial piety, fidelity, bravery, and humanity. Hwarang were nurtured as political and military elite members and came to play a great role in eventually unifying the three states and managing the emerging dynasty.

After the unification, Silla stabilized and began a brisk trade with foreign countries. Silla’s seaborne trade in the east asian region was led by general Jang Bogo, who established the Cheonghaejin naval base on wando island and from there rid the waters of pirates.

It became the center of northeast Asia’s economy and trade due to its important role as marine traffic route. Furthermore, Baekje dispatched many scholars including Ah Jikgi and Wang In. These scholars introduced Buddhism, the thousand-character text and Chinese literature to japan. Their teachings helped Asuka cultureJapan’s first Buddhist culture in the 7th century – to flourish. Horxu Temple, located in Nara Prefecture, Japan is where we can find Baekje’s relics.

The Baekje Gwaneumsang, avalokitesvara image, enshrined in this building is the oldest wood-carved structure in japan. The figure that stands higher than 2m, and its graceful beauty shows the perfection of Baekje’s buddhist fine arts. Baekje is the ancient Korean kingdom that is closely related to Japan. The Japanese still use word, Baekje as the name of an area and today’s emperor of Japan, Akihito, is a descendant of King Muryeong of Baekje, In 1993, a piece of Baekje’s artifact astonished the world. it was the “Geumdongdaehyangno”, the gilt-bronze incense burner of baekje.

On the top, a phoenix, which appears as if it is ready to fly away, is holding a cintamani ball and, on the cover, over 42 animals such as the phoenix, tiger, deer, and others are hanging about in the spaces among 74 mountain peaks.

There are nearly 140 sculptures of dancers and musicians who are playing piri, the Korean flutes and gayageums, a twelve-string plucked zither moreover, plants, rocks, mountain paths, streams, and waterfalls around Geumdongdaehyangno compel admiration. The body, which is shaped like semicircular bowl, is composed of three layers of lotus flowers and 27 animals. There are two people are carved in relief. Underpinning looks like a dragon supporting a lotus flower bud in full bloom. Geumdongdaehyangno shows the essence of baekje craft made of implication of spiritual world and artistic aptitude, and is considered as the best ancient metal craft because of standing originality and shape.

The collapse of Baekje dynasty is one of the saddest incidents in the history. The Baekje fell due to an attack of Silla and Tang alliance. The people of the baekje dynasty are said to have been mild in manner. Their artistic world lives with splendor and mysteriousness which are unrivaled by any other era.

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.

Established in 2333 B.C., Gojoseon was the Koreans’ first state. However, the history of Gojoseon is, to date, recognized as a myth by historians around the world. Japan has rejected the establishment year of and distorted the history of Korea.  However, the evidence proves that Gojoseon did indeed exist and further evidence that its existence was not a myth continues to be uncovered.

Gojoseon’s Eight Prohibitions show how Gojoseon’s society was a hierarchical and based on the firm respect for human life. It also proves that Gojoseon was a well-established nation by showing how currency was used and private propertywas recognized and protected by law. The crescent knife coin myeongdojeon, acknowledged by Korean historians as currency from yan China, is thought to be of the same period as Gojoseon due to the area from which it was excavated and the time period it was made. In addition, the mandolin-shaped dagger is a holy dagger that was given to the regional governors by the central government of Gojoseon.

By examining the regions where the dagger was excavated, historians can estimate the territorial boundaries of Gojoseon. 70% of the world’s dolmens are concentrated on the Korean peninsula, thus making Korea a nation of dolmens. Such dolmens are closely related to the history of Gojoseon. Perforated dolmens were not only found in Pyeongyang, the capital of Gojoseon, or in the surrounding regions of the Daedonggang River, but around the entire Korean peninsula. Scholars examined the arrangement of the holes on the dolmens and discovered that they were arranged exactly like ancient astronomical charts. This astronomical chart was made in 3000 B.C. This was 1,800 years before the Babylonian’s astronomical chart was made in 1200 BC in Mesopotamia, the civilization known as the origin of ancient astronomy.

There are at least 200 dolmens with astronomical charts. The East Asian Pyramids found near Manchuria surprised the world because the pyramid, which was thought to only exist in Egypt. There are more than 100 of them. The large ones are bigger than their Egyptian counterparts. The building of the pyramids was a massive project, employing 1,000,000 workers annually for their construction. According to carbon dating, the pyramids were constructed 2,000 years earlier than those of Egypt. They were also created 1,000 years before the establishment of the Yellow River Civilization. The first time that the pyramids were  discovered, myriad artifacts of the Dong-yi people, the ancestors of modern Koreans, were excavated, supporting the belief that the pyramids are related to Gojoseon. As we can see from the ancient tombs of Gojoseon and Goguryeo, the ancestors of the Koreans built the pyramidshaped tombs.

If these asian pyramids are indeed the remnants of an unknown civilization established by the peoples of Gojoseon or the ancestors of the people of Gojoseon, then four civilizations of human history might as well be changed to the civilization that created these pyramids.