SAEDNEWS: Goguryeo, one of the three ancient kingdoms of Korea, which once ruled over a vast area of the Korean Peninsula and Manchuria, has left its legacy today in North Korea, South Korea, and Northeast China.
According to Saednews, Goguryeo, meaning “powerful and greatest empire,” was one of the most magnificent kingdoms in Korean history. In the TV series The Legend of Jumong, an engaging story portrays the life of Goguryeo’s founder. This empire was ruled for about 705 years by 28 kings from a royal dynasty.
The Goguryeo Empire (Goguryeo), one of the Three Kingdoms of ancient Korea, was founded in 37 BCE by Jumong. It covered large parts of the northern and central Korean Peninsula, as well as the southern and central regions of Manchuria (modern-day northeast China).
Jumong, the founder of Goguryeo, is a legendary figure mentioned in Korean historical texts such as Samguk Sagi and Samguk Yusa. He established the foundations of this powerful empire by uniting various tribes and creating a centralized political system.
Goguryeo existed until 668 CE, when it fell due to an alliance between the Tang Dynasty of China and the Silla Kingdom. However, its cultural and historical legacy still remains in parts of North Korea, South Korea, and northeast China.
The Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. This site includes archaeological remains of around 40 tombs built by Goguryeo. The ancient cities of Jolbon and the Gungnae Fortress are also located in this area.
After more than 700 years of power and influence, Goguryeo collapsed in 668 CE. At its peak, it controlled vast territories including northern and central Korea, southern and central Manchuria (today’s northeast China), and parts of the Russian Far East.
Today, the former lands of Goguryeo are mainly located in North Korea and in China’s Jilin and Liaoning provinces. These regions contain many archaeological remains such as pyramid-shaped tombs with wall paintings, ancient fortresses, and cities—some of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In China as well, remains of ancient Goguryeo cities such as Wunu, Guonei, and Wandu are found in Jilin and Liaoning provinces. These sites play an important role in preserving and showcasing the history of Goguryeo.
Today, the territory of ancient Goguryeo lies mainly within modern North Korea and the northeastern provinces of China.
