Uncovering the Meanings in Historic Sites and Artifacts of the Honam Region

Special Exhibition '2017-2019 Honam Archaeology Achievements - Echoes Beneath the Ground, Unraveling History, Exhibition Notice'

Gochang Mujang Eupseong Bigyeokjin Cheonroe

The National Naju Museum announced on the 11th that, together with the Cultural Heritage Administration’s National Naju Cultural Heritage Research Institute and the Korea Cultural Heritage Association, it will hold a special exhibition titled “2017-2019 Honam Archaeological Achievements Exhibition - Echoes from the Earth, Unraveling History, Exhibition Notice” in the planning exhibition hall from the 12th to July 19th. This exhibition introduces major cultural relics excavated in the Honam region over the past three years. It explores and interprets the meanings hidden in long-forgotten sites and artifacts alongside archaeologists and curators.

In the prehistoric section, a large number of artifacts illustrating the development of tools are displayed, including polished stone swords, Korean-style bronze swords, and iron artifacts. Visitors can also see an iron horse bit excavated from the wooden coffin tomb at Usan-ri, Boseong. The exhibition also features Daepohwangcheon (大布黃千) from the Pyeonghwan-ri site in Jangheung and Hwacheon (貨泉) from the Madung site in Heukcheon-ri, Haenam. These are all coins from the Xin dynasty established by Wang Mang of China. Notably, Daepohwangcheon was the highest denomination coin at the time and is rarely found even in China. The research institute stated, “This reveals the historical context of the Honam region’s early exchanges with China.”

Naju Songje-ri Silver Inlaid Bronze Ritual Vessel

The Three Kingdoms period section focuses on the Mahan culture that flourished around the Yeongsan River. A representative exhibit is the gilt-bronze crown excavated from the twin tombs in Naedong-ri, Yeongam. Also on display are a silver crown ornament and belt decorations from the Songje-ri tumulus in Naju, showing the influx of Baekje culture. The Goryeo period section mainly introduces beautiful celadon ceramics. These include celadon excavated from kiln sites in Gangjin, Buan, and Haenam, as well as celadon recovered from the waters of the Battle of Myeongnyang near Jindo. A small zoo is created by selecting artifacts engraved with or shaped like animals. The variety of animals spans aquatic, terrestrial, celestial, and even imaginary creatures. The research institute explained, “People at the time imbued animals, which were both beneficial and feared beings, with earnest wishes or meanings of warding off evil.”

The Joseon period section introduces excavation results from eupchi (읍치), the central spaces of local counties. These include the Naju Eupseong fortress, mostly dismantled and lost during the Japanese colonial period, its guesthouse Geumseonggwan, and the training hall and military armory confirmed at Mujang Eupseong fortress in Gochang. The research institute stated, “The exhibition concludes with eleven pieces of bigyeokjincheonroe, which were akin to time bombs at the time, excavated from Mujang Eupseong, along with related videos.”

Gwangjin Sadang-ri Celadon Kiln

Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), visitor entry is limited to fifty people per hour. Entry procedures include fever checks with thermal cameras and signing a personal information consent form, and masks must be worn inside. The research institute emphasized, “Visitors must strictly follow safety rules such as maintaining a 2-meter distance and viewing in one direction.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.