Publications
Achievements of the Inter-Korean Joint Excavation of Kaesong Manwoldae and Inter-Korean Exchange
The Inter-Korean Joint Excavation of Kaesong Manwoldae, spanning 12 years from 2007 to 2018, uncovered groundbreaking archaeological and historical insights. The project identified the unique terraced structure of the Goryeo royal palace and significant building sites, including Kyungnyeongjeon Hall, while also discovering one of the world's oldest metal movable types, showcasing the excellence of Goryeo-era culture. Beyond academic contributions, the excavation played a pivotal role in securing UNESCO World Heritage status for Kaesong Historic Areas and Monuments, bolstering global cultural prestige. The study highlights a resilient governance model that combined authorities and private sectors, proving adaptable even during political challenges. However, recent inter-Korean tensions necessitate alternative cooperation strategies, such as non-face-to-face digital restoration and archiving, to sustain academic continuity. Urgent institutionalization and legalization are proposed to ensure long-term cultural heritage exchange, positioning the Manwoldae project as a catalyst for future Korean integration.
Study of the Iron Seated Bodhisattva Sculpture at Seongbulsa Temple in Records from the Japanese Colonial Era
A rare Iron Seated Bodhisattva sculpture, previously undocumented outside of brief mentions, has been identified at Seongbulsa Temple in Kaesong through archival analysis. This discovery, supported by gelatin dry plate photographs from the Japanese colonial era and historical records, reveals the sculpture's likely production during the early Goryeo period (10th century), retaining stylistic influences from the Unified Silla Kingdom. The study suggests that the sculpture may have been commissioned for protective or strategic purposes, given its material and proximity to Jeongbangsanseong Fortress. By integrating visual documentation with historical survey records, this research clarifies the significance of the Iron Seated Bodhisattva, contributing to a broader understanding of Korean iron Buddhist sculptures in North Korea.
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