• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.106-125
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• 2020

From 1949 to the present day, many Koguryo sites have been excavated, in North Korea. It can also be said that archaeological surveys and studies in North Korea have triggered Koguryo archaeological studies in South Korea. However, since the 1990s, the excavation of Koguryo sites and archaeological research in North Korea has been carried out as an extension of Daedonggang culture. Therefore, these archaeological surveys focused on the Pyongyang and more general northwestern areas of North Korea, and the conclusion was that Koguryo was a powerful nation with a millennium-long history inherited Gojoseon. Beginning in 1945 in North Korea, the archaeological surveys and related systems were organized, and burial mounds, castles, and city remains were excavated under the idea that Koguryo was a millennium-long, strong nation. In addition, archaeological research has been conducted to validate and confirm this belief. On the notion that Koguryo was founded in 277 BCE, it was insisted that the age of the tombs in Pyongyang was increased and Pyongyang took the position as a Vice Capital in the 4^th Century. Recently an excavation of the castle located in Pyongyang supports the idea that Koguryo inherited Gojoseon on a layered basis. However, the archaeological and conceptual grounds for the founding of Koguryo in the 3^rd Century BCE or the succession of Gojoseon and Koguryo were insufficient. As can be seen from the reconstruction of the royal tombs of the Dongmyung and Dangun, the archaeological surveys in North Korea were criticized for their selective discoveries and arbitrary interpretations. This further supports the necessity for joint excavations and academic exchanges between South and North Korea.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.270-285
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• 2020

This study examines the state of archeological research on Silla and Unified Silla conducted in North Korea and identifies its characteristics. In South Korea, most research has focused on prehistoric times in North Korea, and little research has been done on Silla and Unified Silla. Noting this, we attempted to examine the history of archaeological research in North Korea to provide foundations upon which to go forward. The research was examined in terms of general archaeological themes including tombs, fortresses, the capital city, earthenware, roof tiles, ornaments, weapons, and horse harnesses, and we identified four characteristics from the examination. First, Juche ideology had a great influence on interpretation of the unification of the three kingdoms. The Juche ideology was first proposed in 1955, and at the time, it was not fully established as an ideology but rather seen as constituting opposition to toadyism. Accordingly, the unification of the three kingdoms led by Silla was seen as amounting to collusion with foreign forces and was not acknowledged. A piece of evidence shows that this change took place around 1962. Second, an inclination to testify to the 'uniqueness' of the cultures of the three kingdoms is observed. The argument is that culture in the Korean peninsula has unique characteristics that set it apart from Chinese culture, and that the cultures of the three kingdoms share much in common. This inclination was not mentioned in research until the 1950s, and it can be seen as an effort to comply with Juche ideology and prove the principle of unity as stated in the national leader's instructions in the 1960s. Third, the influence of Goguryeo on the formation of Silla culture is emphasized. Related research explains that Baekje, Silla, and Gaya adopted the 'superior' culture of Goguryeo, and could establish 'uniqueness' of culture accordingly. It is claimed that an advanced Goguryeo culture was disseminated throughout Balhae and Unified Silla, and then to Goryeo, resulting in a true unification of the ethnic culture. Fourth, researchers in North Korea presume the Silla tombs and other relics to be far older than South Korean researchers' estimate. From a standpoint of highlighting the long history of Korea, they estimate the Silla Dynasty was founded in the early or mid-first century. Accordingly, archeological evidence that demonstrates the establishment of the state is dated as far back. Such an estimate is also indispensable in justifying the explanation that the chamber tombs of Goguryeo had a direct influence on Silla. These research characteristics which arose during the 1960s continue to be basic guidelines for North Korean researchers.