Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong

Overview

Situated in Kaesong city, in the south of the country, the site consists of 12 separate components, which together testify to the history and culture of the Koryo Dynasty from the 10th to 14th centuries. The geomantic layout of the former capital city of Kaesong, its palaces, institutions and tomb complex, defensive walls and gates embody the political, cultural, philosophical and spiritual values of a crucial era in the region’s history. The monuments inscribed also include an astronomical and meteorological observatory, two schools (including one dedicated to educating national officials) and commemorative steles. The site testifies to the transition from Buddhism to neo-Confucianism in East Asia and to the assimilation of the cultural spiritual and political values of the states that existed prior to Korea’s unification under the Koryo Dynasty. The integration of Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist and geomantic concepts is manifest in the planning of the site and the architecture of its monuments.

Selection Criteria

(ii)(iii)

Components(8 locations)

• •Mausoleum of King Wang Kon, Seven Tombs Cluster & Myongrung Cluster1278rev-007
• •Kaesong Walls1278rev-002
• •Sungyang Sowon1278rev-005
• •Koryo Songgyungwan1278rev-004
• •Kaesong Namdae Gate1278rev-003
• •Mausoleum of King Kongmin1278rev-008
• •Manwoldae & Kaesong Chomsongdae1278rev-001
• •Sonjuk Bridge and Phyochung Monuments1278rev-006

Details

Countries

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

ISO Codes

KP

Area

494.2 ha

Coordinates

37.9817, 126.5081