Goryeong-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, on July 3 was designated the country's fifth ancient city. It was the center of politics and culture of Daegaya, a city-state of the ancient Gaya Kingdom (42--562). (Korea Heritage Service)

By Margareth Theresia

Goryeong-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, once the center of politics and culture of Daegaya, a city-state of the ancient Gaya Kingdom (42-562), has been named the country's fifth ancient city.

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) on July 3 said it made the designation at a meeting of the Central Committee for Deliberation on Preservation and Promotion of Ancient Cities. The other four ancient cities are Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province; Buyeo-gun County and Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do Province; and Iksan, Jeollabuk-do Province

An ancient city holds historical significance as a hub of politics and culture of Koreans in the past.

Goryeong-gun preserves cultural heritage like the site of Daegaya's royal palace; Jisandong Ancient Tombs, a UNESCO World heritage site; Jusanseong Fortress, which defended the royal palace; historical remains of waterways and earthenware kilns; and intangible cultural heritage such as the myth of Daegaya's foundation.

The county is also an area of high historical, academic and artistic value. The structure of tombs and excavated artifacts discovered there such as gilt-bronze crowns and earthenware show regional traits different from those of the ancient Silla Kingdom. Dubbed "Daegaya style" or "Goryeong style," they are recognized for their uniqueness. 

The well-preserved skeletal structure of the fortress wall proves that Goryeong-gun was the capital of Daegaya. The historical, cultural and environmental landscape of the area has also been well kept and managed without damage, giving it great scenic value.

Jisandong Ancient Tombs in Goryeong-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, are designated a UNESCO World Heritage. ( World Heritage Management Center for the Gaya Tumuli)

Goryeong-gun's designation as an ancient city makes it eligible for support to improve living conditions and streetscapes, run resident participation programs and pursue activities for civic groups there. The county will also get help for setting up an exploration base center for information, promotion, education and experience of UNESCO World Heritage and main ruins, as well as for projects to create historical and cultural spaces using such ruins.

Named ancient cities in 2004, Gyeongju, Buyeo-gun, Gongju and Iksan have pursued preservation and development under their designation to harmonize historical and cultural spaces and run resident support programs to give practical help to residents. 

The KHS said, "The designation of 'Goryeong Daegaya' as an ancient city is an opportunity to effectively preserve, manage and develop tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Goryeong-gun area and raise the quality of life for residents."