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
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