SAEDNEWS: If names like Goguryeo and Buyeo only ring a bell from the drama Jumong, and you’ve ever wondered where these ancient empires would appear on today’s world map, this report provides a clear answer to your curiosity.
According to the History and Culture section of SaedNews, Goguryeo and Buyeo were two ancient kingdoms of East Asia that shaped large parts of what are today Korea, China, and even Russia. But the interesting question is: where is Goguryeo now? And where was Buyeo? Which modern countries do their lands lie within, and what impact did they have on the identity of today’s nations?
According to Namnak, at the height of its power, the kingdom of Goguryeo controlled a vast area, covering nearly three-quarters of the Korean Peninsula, including the land where modern Seoul now stands. Its borders stretched from the Yalu River in the west to the Liao River in the east, encompassing northern Korea, southern Manchuria, and the regions around the Tumen River. Archaeological evidence even suggests that Goguryeo’s territory extended into parts of Inner and Eastern Mongolia.
The historical lands of Goguryeo, once one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, are now divided among several countries:
North Korea: Central and northern regions, including Pyongyang, the last capital, remain in North Korea, where many archaeological sites are preserved.
South Korea: Southern areas, particularly around Seoul, are part of modern South Korea, continuing to influence the country’s culture and national identity.
China: Large parts of Manchuria, including the provinces of Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang, were part of Goguryeo’s early capitals, such as Gungnae.
Russia: The eastern reaches extended close to Primorsky Krai, with historical traces of Goguryeo’s presence.
Mongolia: Small portions may have reached into Inner and Eastern Mongolia.
Buyeo, an ancient kingdom in northern Manchuria (northeastern China today), is traditionally considered a Korean kingdom. Its people were linked to the Yemaek, ancestors of modern Koreans. Buyeo was a predecessor to both Goguryeo and Baekje, maintaining diplomatic and military relations with the Han and Jin dynasties of China from the 1st to 4th centuries CE.
After attacks by the Xianbei in 346, Buyeo was largely destroyed, with some of its lands absorbed by Goguryeo officials. By 494, Buyeo was fully integrated into Goguryeo. The Buyeo language resembled that of Goguryeo and neighboring states, and its influence on Goguryeo’s culture and history is evident.
As mentioned, Goguryeo was one of East Asia’s oldest and most powerful kingdoms, and it remains a sensitive and contested topic between Korea and China. Koreans view it as an integral part of their history, framing Goguryeo as the foundation for later states like Goryeo and Joseon.
China, particularly through the Northeast Project (2002–2007), asserts that Goguryeo was part of Chinese history, defining it as a local multi-ethnic state. This disagreement even caused diplomatic tensions between Seoul and Beijing in 2004, and debates over Goguryeo’s historical status continue to this day.
