The Mausoleum of King Kogugwon, also known as Anak Tomb No. 3, is located in Oguk-ri, Anak County, South Hwanghae Province. Kogugwon was the 21st monarch of Koguryo, the first feudal state of Korea that existed from 277 BC to AD 668.
The tomb is about 33 metres long from north to south, about 30 metres wide from east to west, and about 6 metres high.
The tomb itself is large, and it looks more magnificent as it sits on a mountain and seems to be part of it. The tomb chamber was built by cutting a hill and piling up stones to form a semi-underground structure. It consists of door compartment, front compartment with two smaller compartments in the east and the west, inner chamber and corridor.
Murals were painted directly on the surface of the stone walls. Guards escorting the king were drawn on the walls of the door compartment, and scenes of the guard of honour and performing subakhui (a Korean martial art using only the hands), playing music and dancing on those of the front compartment.
The murals in the corridor depict an imposing procession in which the hero with a crown on his head rides an oxcart, escorted by ceremonial flags, civil and military officials, instrumental march music bands and warriors.
This painting showcases the development of the contemporary art of painting, and it is second to none among the tomb murals of the DPRK in terms of the number of depicted characters, at least 250, the size of the painting and the complex and diverse content.
The mausoleum, through the structure of its chambers and the contents of its murals, gives a vivid glimpse of the history, customs, architecture, painting, music, dance, weapons and armaments of Koguryo. It is well preserved as a precious cultural heritage site.
Yon Ok
More From Naenara (En)
The Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced its decision on
March 05, 2026
The Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced its decision on
The central election committee was organized for the election of deputies to the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly of the
March 05, 2026
The central election committee was organized for the election of deputies to the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly of the
Korea was liberated from the Japanese imperialists’ military occupation on August 15, 1945. One day in October that year the
March 05, 2026
Korea was liberated from the Japanese imperialists’ military occupation on August 15, 1945. One day in October that year the
On March 5, 1946, the Law on Agrarian Reform was adopted in Korea. The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung saw the agrarian reform as
March 05, 2026
On March 5, 1946, the Law on Agrarian Reform was adopted in Korea. The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung saw the agrarian reform as
The first full moon day (January 15th by the lunar calendar) came around, adding pleasure and optimism to the DPRK people. The
March 05, 2026
The first full moon day (January 15th by the lunar calendar) came around, adding pleasure and optimism to the DPRK people. The
Jo Jin Mi of the DPRK bagged a bronze medal in the diving women’s 10-metre platform event at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup
March 04, 2026
Jo Jin Mi of the DPRK bagged a bronze medal in the diving women’s 10-metre platform event at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup
Greater efforts are being made in the DPRK to rev up the recycling drive. A wide range of research projects is under way for
March 04, 2026
Greater efforts are being made in the DPRK to rev up the recycling drive. A wide range of research projects is under way for
A grand artistic performance “Song to the Motherly Party”, which significantly commemorated the Ninth Congress of the
March 04, 2026
A grand artistic performance “Song to the Motherly Party”, which significantly commemorated the Ninth Congress of the
In March the air of spring is distinctly felt all over in the DPRK. The month has Kyongchip and Chunbun , two of the 24 seasonal
March 04, 2026
In March the air of spring is distinctly felt all over in the DPRK. The month has Kyongchip and Chunbun , two of the 24 seasonal
DPRK players Jo Jin Mi and Kim Mi Hwa bagged silver medals in the diving women’s 10-metre synchronized platform event at the
March 03, 2026
DPRK players Jo Jin Mi and Kim Mi Hwa bagged silver medals in the diving women’s 10-metre synchronized platform event at the
March 3 is World Wildlife Day (WWD). In December 2013 at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, March 3 was
March 03, 2026
March 3 is World Wildlife Day (WWD). In December 2013 at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, March 3 was
Paektu is the highest mountain in the DPRK, rising 2 750m above sea level in the northern part of Samjiyon City, Ryanggang
March 03, 2026
Paektu is the highest mountain in the DPRK, rising 2 750m above sea level in the northern part of Samjiyon City, Ryanggang
A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK issued the following press statement on March 1:Israel’s military attack on Ir
March 02, 2026
A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK issued the following press statement on March 1:Israel’s military attack on Ir
The chief secretaries of city and county committees of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the chairpersons of city and county
March 02, 2026
The chief secretaries of city and county committees of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the chairpersons of city and county
There took place a short course for the participants in the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang, the
March 01, 2026
There took place a short course for the participants in the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang, the
A Pyongyang military-civilian meeting and a public procession took place with splendour at Kim Il Sung Square on February 27. The
March 01, 2026
A Pyongyang military-civilian meeting and a public procession took place with splendour at Kim Il Sung Square on February 27. The
A reception was given at the Mokran House on February 27 for the special guests who were invited to the celebrations of the Ninth
March 01, 2026
A reception was given at the Mokran House on February 27 for the special guests who were invited to the celebrations of the Ninth
The participants in the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea conducted various political and cultural activities. While
March 01, 2026
The participants in the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea conducted various political and cultural activities. While
The 39th Sci-tech Festival of Kim Il Sung University took place in the DPRK from February 25 to 27. Presented to the festival held
March 01, 2026
The 39th Sci-tech Festival of Kim Il Sung University took place in the DPRK from February 25 to 27. Presented to the festival held
Youth and students had a gala evening at Kim Il Sung Square on February 27. Among the spectators were Pak Thae Song, member of the
March 01, 2026
Youth and students had a gala evening at Kim Il Sung Square on February 27. Among the spectators were Pak Thae Song, member of the
More Articles
