Buried for 1,500 Years, Reborn as a National Treasure | Chungju Goguryeo Stele

Following the flow of the Namhan River, one encounters a monument that testifies to one of the most dynamic eras in Korean history. It is the Chungju Goguryeo Stele (National Treasure No. 205), located in Ipseok Village, Jungangtap-myeon, Chungju. The Chungju Goguryeo Stele Exhibition Hall presents the only Goguryeo stele found on the Korean Peninsula and offers insight into the worldview of Goguryeo, a dominant power in 5th-century East Asia.

The Chungju Goguryeo Stele. Originally standing in front of Ipseok Village, the monument was recognized for its historical value in 1979, leading to the construction of a protective structure. It was later relocated to the exhibition hall when it opened in 2012. Photo by News Culture.

From Blacksmith’s Pillar to National Treasure

The discovery of the Chungju Goguryeo Stele is nothing short of dramatic. Prior to 1979, the stone had been used as a pillar in a village blacksmith’s shop, known simply as “Ipseok,” an anonymous standing stone. In February 1979, however, a local historical research group, Yesung Club, identified its significance, and a subsequent academic investigation by Dankook University confirmed it as a Goguryeo stele. The rediscovery of this monument, awakening after 1,500 years, marked a turning point in the study of ancient Korean history.

Why was this stele erected in Chungju? The exhibition hall provides a detailed historical context. Following King Jangsu’s relocation of the capital to Pyongyang, Goguryeo intensified its southward expansion policy. It seized control of Chungju, a strategic hub along the Namhan River, and established Gukwonseong Fortress. Situated at the center of the peninsula with abundant iron resources, Chungju became a forward base for Goguryeo’s control over central and southern regions.

Goguryeo as “Ruler of the World” in the Inscription

The core of the exhibition lies in the interpretation of the inscription and its historical implications. The engraved text vividly reveals the hierarchical relations among the Three Kingdoms. In particular, the third face of the stele provides critical evidence of the relationship between Goguryeo and Silla. Compared to the heavily weathered sections, this face preserves relatively more legible characters, offering a detailed account of the 5th-century political landscape.

The third face of the Chungju Goguryeo Stele. Photo by News Culture.

“Within Silla territory, a dangju (military commander) was stationed... 300 people were recruited... The Great King of Goguryeo wished to maintain a brotherly relationship with the Silla ruler... thus harmony was upheld in accordance with the will of heaven.”

The inscription mentions that a Goguryeo military commander resided within Silla territory, indicating that Goguryeo maintained a permanent military presence and conscripted local Silla people as soldiers. This serves as evidence that Silla’s sovereignty was significantly constrained under Goguryeo influence.

The relationship between the two states is described as “like elder and younger brothers.” However, this was not an equal bond. The Goguryeo ruler is referred to as “Taewang” (Great King), while the Silla ruler is called “Maegum,” clearly marking a hierarchical distinction. The rhetoric of brotherhood thus reflects a suzerain-vassal relationship in which Goguryeo exercised authority over Silla.

Further, the inscription records that the Goguryeo king bestowed garments and belts upon the Silla ruler and officials. In ancient societies, such acts symbolized the granting of rank and recognition of status. This gesture demonstrates that Silla was incorporated into a world order centered on Goguryeo.

The Chungju Goguryeo Stele Exhibition Hall also features materials explaining Goguryeo’s presence during the Samhan period, including references to Anak Tomb No. 3. Photo by News Culture.

A Historic Discovery by Amateur Enthusiasts

Beyond the stele, the exhibition hall presents models of heavily armored cavalry and murals of the Four Guardian Deities, illustrating Goguryeo’s formidable military power and distinctive spiritual world. The Samjok-o (three-legged crow) motif symbolizes the peak of Goguryeo’s belief in its divine ancestry. The exhibition also highlights Goguryeo’s international standing, maintaining its own sphere of influence while engaging with Chinese dynasties, nomadic groups, and Japan. It emphasizes Goguryeo’s role as a mediator that balanced power across Northeast Asia through pragmatic diplomacy.

One section of the exhibition recreates the moment in 1979 when members of the Yesung Club first discovered the stele in Ipseok Village, capturing both tension and excitement. It documents the historical journey of how a seemingly ordinary stone was recognized as a Goguryeo monument.

Without the interest and efforts of local residents, this national treasure might have remained buried indefinitely. Even today, countless cultural assets of historical value may lie hidden around us. Perhaps, like the Chungju Goguryeo Stele, it is worth taking a closer look at the nameless stones we encounter along the way.

Reported by News Culture [e-mail]