The two Koreas have agreed to revive efforts at discovering historical artifacts remaining at Manwoldae, the site of the official royal palace of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392).
Manwoldae is located in the ancient capital city of Kaesong (Gaeseong), North Hwanghae Province, just across the DMZ in southern North Korea. Nestled in the Songaksan Mountain range, Manwoldae was the main palace of Goryeo kings for more than 400 years, from the 900s to the 1300s. In recognition of its archeological, historical and cultural value, last year it was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
The archeological work to uncover Manwoldae, which re-started this week, is jointly overseen by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH) from the South and the Joseon History Museum Discovery Team (unofficial translation) from the North. The dig formerly ran from 2007 until 2011.
The palace buildings are all gone, though the retaining walls and foundations are still found in some areas. Earlier in the four-year dig, the joint team of archaeologists came up with a number of significant finds, such as the location of each palace building, the remains of roof tiles and some pieces of cylindrical celadon pottery.
The revived dig lasts until August 16. Researchers will cover some 33,000 square meters of what is believed to be the western parts of the palace. The researchers say it could have been a bedroom for the Goryeo kings and queens.
Some 13 members from the south have already been dispatched to the region, and the Korean government is showing its active support for the historic work.
By Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
slee27@korea.kr
Manwoldae is located in the ancient capital city of Kaesong (Gaeseong), North Hwanghae Province, just across the DMZ in southern North Korea. Nestled in the Songaksan Mountain range, Manwoldae was the main palace of Goryeo kings for more than 400 years, from the 900s to the 1300s. In recognition of its archeological, historical and cultural value, last year it was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
The archeological work to uncover Manwoldae, which re-started this week, is jointly overseen by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH) from the South and the Joseon History Museum Discovery Team (unofficial translation) from the North. The dig formerly ran from 2007 until 2011.
The joint archaeological dig taking place at Manwoldae in North Korea is reported on the news.
The western parts of the ancient palace grounds will be subject to the re-started archaeological dig. (photo courtesy of the Cultural Heritage Administration)
The palace buildings are all gone, though the retaining walls and foundations are still found in some areas. Earlier in the four-year dig, the joint team of archaeologists came up with a number of significant finds, such as the location of each palace building, the remains of roof tiles and some pieces of cylindrical celadon pottery.
The revived dig lasts until August 16. Researchers will cover some 33,000 square meters of what is believed to be the western parts of the palace. The researchers say it could have been a bedroom for the Goryeo kings and queens.
Some 13 members from the south have already been dispatched to the region, and the Korean government is showing its active support for the historic work.
A monument at Manwoldae celebrates its registration as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. (photos courtesy of the CHA)
The joint team of researchers commemorates the revived archeological dig at Manwoldae on July 23. (photos courtesy of the CHA)
By Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
slee27@korea.kr
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