Bronze Shoes from Jeongchon Tumuli Adorned with Dragon Heads Come to Light

National Naju Cultural Heritage Research Institute Special Exhibition 'Become a Sinseon (神仙) and Go to the Heavenly Kingdom'
"Observe the Shape and Patterns of Gilt-bronze Shoes, Imagine the Meanings of Various Patterns"

Naju Jeongchon Tumuli Gilt-Bronze Shoes

The 'Naju Jeongchon Tumuli Gilt-bronze Shoes,' designated as a national treasure, will be exhibited for two weeks at the Naju Bokam-ri Tumuli Exhibition Hall.

The National Naju Cultural Heritage Research Institute announced on the 15th that it will hold a special exhibition titled "Become a Divine Immortal and Go to the Heavenly Kingdom" from the 20th of this month to September 30. The original Jeongchon Tumuli gilt-bronze shoes will be displayed from the 20th to the 1st of next month, and replicas will be shown from the 2nd of next month until September 30. Alongside, the decorative sword 'Mojado (Mother and Child Sword)' discovered together will also be exhibited with both original and replica pieces. The Mojado consists of a large sword called Modo (Mother Sword) with a smaller sword called Jado (Child Sword) attached. The Naju Cultural Heritage Research Institute stated, "This is an opportunity to observe the form and patterns of the Jeongchon Tumuli gilt-bronze shoes and to imagine the symbolic meanings of the various patterns on the shoes."

Naju Jeongchon Tumuli Gilt-Bronze Shoes

The Jeongchon Tumuli gilt-bronze shoes are metal crafts from the late 5th century during the Three Kingdoms period. Their form is similar to the gilt-bronze shoes excavated from the Bongdeok-ri No. 1 tomb in Gochang. They feature an attached ankle flap and use openwork (a carving technique where parts of the material's surface are cut away or carved to create desired patterns). A prominent characteristic is the dragon head decoration on the instep. The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "This decoration is uniquely confirmed only on the Jeongchon Tumuli gilt-bronze shoes," adding, "It enhances the decorative effect of the shoes."

The Jeongchon Tumuli gilt-bronze shoes were made by connecting thin gilt-bronze plates for the sole, left and right sides, and ankle flaps with small nails. Hexagonal patterns are continuously arranged on the sides. Inside, patterns of dragons, phoenixes, human-faced birds, beasts, and birds are visible. Flames appear at the toe and center of the heel, while lotus flowers and mythical creatures are seen on the sole. The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "These are important materials for understanding not only the craftsmanship of the Three Kingdoms period but also the ancient people's views on the afterlife," and added, "The various patterns likely played a symbolic role in guiding the deceased to the heavens."

Excavation Condition of Gilded Bronze Shoes from the Stone Chamber of Jeongchon Tumuli in Naju

The Jeongchon Tumuli is adjacent to the private Bokam-ri tumulus cluster. Around the stone chamber tomb where a pair of gilt-bronze shoes was excavated, additional structures such as wooden coffins, stone outer coffins, and stone chambers have been constructed.

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