동북아역사재단 2018년 09월호 뉴스레터
Bronze Statue of Goryeo’s Founder
In October 1992, the bronze statue of the ancient Korean kingdom Goryeo’s founder was excavated from the king’s burial mound Hyeolleung in Gaeseong, North Korea. It had initially been considered an ordinary bronze statue of Buddha until Professor Emeritus Ro Myoung-ho of Seoul National University discovered that it was a statue of Goryeo’s first king. Often referred to as Taejo Wang Geon of Goryeo, the king is known for ending a period plagued with division and war and bringing a new age of unification, stability, and development. The statue embodies shamanistic elements originating from ancient Korean traditions as well as Confucian and Buddhist elements.
Photo Source: Seoul National University Professor Emeritus Ro Myoung-Ho
