A Study on Goguryeo City

Research reveals that the formation of an ancient city in Goguryeo, a historical Korean state, occurred separately from the establishment of its capital. While the state/capital was established by the second century, the development of a non-self-sufficient urban area—characterized by population concentration and external dependence—emerged around the mid-third century. This study distinguishes between 'capital' (defined by royal authority and symbolic structures like Jongmyo Shrine) and 'city' (marked by economic interdependence with rural areas). Analysis of historical records and material data also highlights social hierarchies, urban-rural divisions, and a market economy, alongside evidence of urban residents' sense of superiority over rural populations. The findings challenge traditional assumptions about the timeline and nature of urbanization in Goguryeo.

Kwon, S. (2022). A Study on Goguryeo City. Sarim, 82, 199–233. https://doi.org/10.20457/sha.82.6