뉴스레터

Association of Koguryo Balhae

It was only 1½ years ago--in December 2007--that the Association of Koguryo Studies and the Association of Balhae History merged to form the Association of Koguryo Balhae. However, the actual history of the Association goes back 15 years to 1994. Upon realizing the severity of China's distortion of Goguryeo history and culture, Professor SEO Gil-su of Seokyeong University (first president of the Association of Koguryo Balhae) established the Koguryo Institute, the predecessor of the Association of Koguryo Studies. He researched Goguryeo culture by personally undertaking field work all over the vast expanse of Manchuria. At that time, most Koreans were only aware of the fact that Goguryeo history was a part of Korean history; we barely knew how many Goguryeo relics there were in China nor did we know much about their condition. Seo's work revealed China's distortion of history--i.e., claiming that Gorguryeo was a subordinate provincial unit of the Tang dynasty, and thus, a part of Chinese history. Seo's finding served to garner the interest of the academia as well as the public regarding Goguryeo. In short, the Koguryo Institute played an important role in reexamining the historical consciousness of the Korean people and sounding an alarm bell on China's Northeast Project.

Started as Koguyro Institute in 1994, expanded to the Association of Koguryo Balhae in 2007

The main purpose of the Association of Koguryo Balhae is to foster a greater and more widespread understanding of Goguryeo. As of April 2009, the Association published 33 issues of our academic journal, Koguryo Balhae Studies (includes Koguryo Studies). We have also hosted 14 international academic conferences, the first of which was held in 1995. In addition, the Association also offers history lectures in Korea and abroad and organizes annual trips to historical relics. The Association has been very active thanks to corporate and private support and encouragement.

China has already registered Gorguryeo relics for UNESCO's World Heritage designation. It has also committed massive amounts of human and material resources to refurbish Balhae relics so that they too can be registered for the World Heritage designation. China insists that Goguryeo and Balhae comprise Chinese history since the sites where these kingdoms once stood and met their demise are located within the territorial boundaries of today's China. To meet public expectations, the Association of Koguryo Studies changed its name to the Association of Koguryo Balhae in January 2008 and expanded its scope of research and activities to include Balhae history and culture as well. Professor SEO Yeong-su of Dankook University (second president of the Association of Koguryo Balhae) set the groundwork for this transition, and Professor Han Gyu-cheol of Kyungsung University became the Association's third president.

The Association currently has several projects that are in planning or already underway. Every year, many of the Association's board members undertake research projects commissioned and supported by the Northeast Asian History Foundation. The Association also began a survey project three years ago to assess the status of Balhae relics in China. This year, the Association has been preparing for an international academic conference on Balhae history that will be held to mark the opening of the Balhae History Hall that is set to open in the Sokcho City Museum.

Interest in academic activities led by the private sector

The establishment of the government-led Koguryo Research Foundation and the Northeast Asian History Foundation following the UNESCO World Heritage designation of Goguryeo relics served as an opportunity for the Association to concentrate almost exclusively on scholarly activities. The launch of the two foundations was good news for a more systematic and wide-ranging response to historical distortion and encroachment. However, while government support is necessary, there also needs to private-led academic activities that are subject to fewer restrictions and are deemed more objective and reliable.

It is in this context that expectations run high on the Northeast Asian History Foundation's activities. It is also hoped that the Foundation does not become too preoccupied with the political and diplomatic ideologies of "peace and prosperity" and lose sight of its original purpose--serving as the guardian of national history. Moreover, the Foundation should not put itself in a position where it can be criticized for placing greater importance on dealing with Japan's historical distortions. It is hoped that the Foundation expands its support of academic societies and maintains a balanced, long-term approach that does not falter with changing trends.