Goguryeo Dynasty
The Powerful Empire
Goguryeo was an ancient Korean kingdom that ruled northern Korea from about 37 BCE to 668 CE. Goguryeo controlled most areas of land, among the three. At its height, Goguryeo controlled southern Russia to the central Korean Peninsula including large sections of Manchuria.
Goguryeo was the first kingdom of the region to adopt Buddhism. Buddhism inspired the Goguryeo kings to begin commissioning art and architecture dedicated to the Buddha. However, Buddhism was much more popular in Silla and Baekje, which Goguryeo passed Buddhism to.
Not much is known about this kingdom as the other two as most artifacts are in North Korea and China. The treasures of the tombs of this dynasty were also very easily accessible and looted leaving very little physical artifacts of the kingdom.
Gilt-Bronze Crown
5th-6th century
The original shape of this ornament is not known since only the three upright decorative pieces remain, and the central piece is missing part of the top. The right and left upright decorations are mutually symmetrical. The rectangular golden plate's center has inverted heart-shaped perforations that form a three-leaf decorative pattern—pairs of nail holes run vertically along this three-leaf pattern to hang objects. Pairs of triangular holes (a total of eight pairs) are placed below the inverted heart-shaped holes. In addition, the edges of the upright decorations were closely cut with scissors, and each part is twisted to give the impression of a bird feather. This manufacturing technique is entirely from the Goguryeo tradition. It can be seen in the silver headgear discovered at the southern mound at Hwangnamdaechong Tomb and the gilt bronze headgear found at the tomb of Tap-ri in Uiseong. Thus, it is possible to compare the early headgear of the Silla period directly.
Tomb Murals
circa. 6th century AD
A notable aspect of Goguryeo art is tomb murals that vividly depict everyday aspects of life in the ancient kingdom as well as its culture. The murals are strongly colored and show daily life and the Korean mythologies of the time. Goguryeo painting was influential in East Asia, including Japan. Mural painting also spread to the other two kingdoms. The murals portrayed Buddhist themes and provided valuable clues about the kingdom such as architecture and clothing. ​
The wall paintings are masterpieces of the Goguryeo period. The tombs themselves reflect ingenious engineering capabilities. The site offers exceptional insights into the Goguryeo culture, both into everyday life and burial customs. The Goguryeo tombs are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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​These murals were also the very beginnings of Korean landscape paintings and portraiture.
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