Baekje Historic Sites – World Cultural Heritage in Korea

Along with Goguryeo and Silla, Baekje was a 700-year dynasty (from 18 BC to 7th century AD), one of three kingdoms that coexisted on the Korean peninsula. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Baekje-era castles and tombs are scattered across eight sites in Gongju, Buyeo (South Chungcheong Province) and Iksan (North Jeolla Province).

English name: Baekje Historic Areas
Location: Gongju City and H. Buyeo (South Chungcheong Province), Iksan City (North Jeolla Province)
Year of recognition: 2015
Criteria: (ii)(iii)
Acreage: 135.1 ha with buffer zone 303.64 ha

The Baekje Dynasty Historical Site reflects the remarkable level of cultural development of the Baekje kingdom, and contains many evidences documenting the process of cultural, political and social exchanges between the East Asian kingdoms. ancient.

Ancient city walls and tombs from the Baekje Dynasty period recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage are concentrated in three main areas: Gongju (formerly Ungjin), Buyeo (former name Sabi) (South Chungcheong Province) and Iksan (North Jeolla Province).

Table of Contents

1. Gongju . Historic Site

Gongsan Mountain Citadel (Gongsanseong Fortress)

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/1mCoBYeVyQUuMT977
Covering an area of 200,000 square meters, it was built in 63 years, from 475 when the capital Baekje was Ungjin until it was moved to Buyeo in 538. Initially, Gongsan Mountain was only built with earth, but after many renovations, The city was fortified with stone. The citadel was built connected to the top of the mountain, catching across the valley with rugged terrain, with high defense ability. Inside the citadel is the palace and many other important facilities.

Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri (Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri)

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/KGqbgaz1R4JNeG6RA
The mausoleum area consists of seven Baekje royal tombs of the Ungjin era, including the tomb of King Munyeong (Wu Ninh), the only tomb with an identifiable owner among the Baekje dynasty tombs.

Tombs and relics such as coffins made of Japanese pine wood, clearly show the process of cultural and economic exchanges between the Baekje dynasty and countries in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and Southeast Asia. India.

2. Buyeo . Historic Site

Archeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri and Busosanseong Fortress

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/JZiSmaKxWmAmszao9
The cluster of relics of Gwanbuk village was identified as the imperial citadel of the Baekje dynasty, including the emperor’s living space, aqueduct system, water reserve, lake, road, irrigation system and stone wall…

Buso mountain citadel was built behind the palace, usually in the rear, but when there is an incident, it will become a solid system to protect the palace.

Traces of the foundation of Jeongnim Temple (Ding Lam) (Jeongnimsa Temple Site)

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/pxY8PBcfPZm2SPxq6
Jeongnim (Ding Lam) is the temple located in the most central position in the capital of the Baekje dynasty. There is still a five-story tower, which is the 9th national treasure of Korea, reflecting the cultural, artistic and artistic values as well as the sophisticated and skillful stone construction techniques of the Baekje Dynasty.

Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri (Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri)

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/t3LUaQx5bd8sKdAq7
It is a place to preserve seven mausoleums and converge all three types of typical dome tomb architecture of the Baekje Dynasty (538-660). Especially, on the four sides of the inner altar wall of the first tomb, there are paintings of Sansindo (Four Gods), on the ceiling there are motifs of lotus flowers and clouds. These are important and meaningful documents in the study of painting during the Baekje dynasty.

Naseong (La Thanh) (Naseong City Wall)

La side citadel was built outside, extending from Mount Buso citadel, covering the north and east of the citadel. Naseong is different from normal mountain citadel, has an architecture connecting the mountains and plains, has a unique construction technique at the terrain sections that go through the high mountains and down to the low plains.

3. Iksan . Historic Site

Archeological Site in Wanggung-ri

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/entDFWWCj98QCmAW7
The auxiliary palace was built to overcome the loopholes in the defense of the main palace of the Baekje dynasty, the Sabi era. Inside the palace there are many architectural monuments, gold and glass factories and temples. In particular, the discovery of the foundation of a large building believed to be the main hall contributed to the study of the principles of spatial planning of the Baekje dynasty.

Traces of the foundation of Mireuk Temple (Mireuksa Temple Site)

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/kST3Kp2WZe25QAhEA
Mireuk Pagoda has the largest scale in East Asia with an area of 13,384,699m2. Many artifacts made of tile, earth, porcelain, stone, wood, and gold have been discovered in this area. There is still the highest Mireuk tower in Korea (National Treasure No. 11) with a height of 14m and two columns supporting Dangganjiju (Pillars of Chan Chi) (National Treasure No. 236).