Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Research Institute Publishes 'The Story of Cheonmachong on That Day'

Summary of the "Cheonmachong Excavation 50th Anniversary Symposium"

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage's National Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Research Institute announced on the 14th that it has published 'The Story of Cheonmachong on That Day.'

This is an oral history collection summarizing the contents of the 'Cheonmachong Excavation 50th Anniversary Symposium' held in April 2023. It organizes stories about the excavation process, the details of unearthed artifacts, and preservation treatments in an easy-to-understand manner. It also includes previously unreleased photos, showing vivid scenes from the excavation site.

The Cheonmachong excavation was the first state-led excavation conducted in 1973 by the Cultural Heritage Administration (now the Cultural Heritage Administration) through the Michuwangneung District Excavation Team (now the National Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Research Institute). A total of 11,526 important artifacts were unearthed, including the Cheonmado horse harness (a panel hanging under the saddle to prevent dirt from splashing on the rider's legs), Silla gold crowns, and gold belts. Each is evaluated as a representative cultural heritage of South Korea, showcasing the pinnacle of Silla culture.

Six senior scholars who were members of the excavation team at the time, including Deputy Director Kim Dong-hyun, participated in the symposium. They shared their emotions and reflections on the moments when key artifacts such as the gold crowns and horse harnesses were discovered.

The booklet will be distributed to national and public libraries, research institutions, and educational institutions. It can also be viewed on the National Heritage Knowledge Link website of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage.

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