In the 4th and 5th Centuries, Goguryeo Royal-class Tomb's Ancestral rites and the Calendar Era System “Taisui(太歲)”

A study of Goguryeo royal-class tombs from the 4th and 5th centuries reveals that while the physical structure of these tombs transitioned from Stone-mound Tombs to Stone-Chamber Tombs with a Mound, the ancestral rites and ritualistic ideas remained consistent. The research highlights the integration of Chinese influences into Goguryeo's traditional tomb styles, particularly in the Jian Usanha Tomb No. 3319, which combines elements of both Stone-mound and corridor-style stone chamber tombs. Additionally, the study identifies the unique Calendar Era System 'Taisui' in records related to these tombs, distinct from Chinese traditions, and notes the presence of specific ritualistic petroglyphs. This suggests a harmonization of cultural influences while maintaining core Goguryeo practices.

Lee, J.-w. (2021). In the 4th and 5th Centuries, Goguryeo Royal-class Tomb’s Ancestral rites and the Calendar Era System “Taisui(太歲)”. Society for the Study of Early Korean History, 39, 55–104. https://doi.org/10.35160/sjekh.2021.12.39.55