Discovery of Goguryeo Mural Tomb with 'Sasindo' Painting in North Korea... "Of Great Academic Significance"

The photo shows the mural 'Cheongryong' released by North Korea. [Image source = Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] North Korea announced that it has unearthed a Goguryeo mural tomb, estimated to have been constructed in the 6th century, in the Eundeok district of Ryonggang County, Nampo City.

On the 17th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that researchers from the Korean National Heritage Preservation Society newly excavated an outer stone chamber tomb with murals of the Four Symbols on the mid-slope of a northern mountain in the Eundeok district.

The excavated tomb was revealed to be an outer stone chamber earth tomb consisting of an an-gil (passageway) and an-kan (burial chamber or tomb room).

The basic theme of the murals is the Four Symbols, with the west wall depicting a white tiger painted in red pigment, featuring emphasized eyes on the head, a long reclining body, and a tail that rises and then bends.

In addition, mural fragments depicting the heads and front legs of a tiger and a dog, the rear part of a horse’s waist, and vine patterns were also found.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that at the entrance of the an-gil (passageway), there is a stone door in the shape of a gate made by shaping granite slabs, equipped with a ring-shaped iron handle.

The North Korean Archaeological Society stated, "This is the first discovery of a Goguryeo mural tomb with the theme of the Four Symbols in the Ryonggang area, and the construction period is estimated to be around the 6th century. It holds great academic significance for studying Goguryeo’s history, culture, and especially burial customs."

Meanwhile, since 2001, more than ten Goguryeo mural tombs have been excavated in North Korea, attracting scholarly attention. Last month, two Goguryeo mural tombs were excavated in Wolji-ri, Anak County, South Hwanghae Province, which became a topic of interest.

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