The Baekje Historic Areas (Korean: 백제역사유적지구) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in three cities in South Korea: Gongju, Buyeo, and Iksan. It includes eight monuments that are connected to the final years of the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje, which existed from 18 BC to 660 CE. These sites represent the time period from 475 to 660 CE.
The Baekje Historic Areas were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 8, 2015, during the 39th meeting of the Committee. They were included as a cultural heritage site based on two standards. First, they show how ancient East Asian kingdoms in Korea developed construction methods and Buddhist practices, and how they shared ideas with China and Japan. Second, they highlight the unique architecture, culture, religion, and art of Baekje, especially in its capital cities, Buddhist temples, burial sites, and stone pagodas.
The sites listed include the Gongsanseong fortress, the Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri, the Busosanseong fortress and Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri, the Jeongnimsa temple, the Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri, the Naseong City Wall, the Archaeological Site in Wanggung-ri, and the Mireuksa temple in Iksan.
History
Baekje was an ancient kingdom in Korea that existed for 678 years, from 18 BC to 660 AD. It developed a unique culture through interactions with other East Asian countries, different from the neighboring kingdoms of Goguryeo and Silla. Baekje was founded in 18 BC near the Han River, which is now Seoul (Hanseong). People from Goguryeo moved there, and over time, the city expanded toward the southwest of the country. Baekje became well-known for its culture and economy. Later, wars broke out between the three kingdoms, and Goguryeo defeated Baekje, taking control of its capital. Baekje then moved its capital to Ungjin, where the Gongsanseong Fortress was built in 475 AD. This move allowed Baekje to adopt Chinese culture and architecture, and it also accepted Buddhism. Baekje shared its cultural and religious traditions with Japan, and Ungjin, located 130 kilometers east of Seoul on the Geumgang River, became a major influence in East Asia.
Later, Baekje moved its capital again to Sabi, and a strong kingdom was established in Buyeo in 538 AD. This relocation was needed to improve trade and commerce, as the previous capital lacked these advantages. The city was built with a royal palace, forts, royal burial grounds, and a city wall for protection. During the Sabi period (538–660 AD), King Seong moved the capital to Buyeo in 538 AD. Iksan was created as a second capital for administrative purposes. In 660 AD, Baekje was defeated by Silla, which had allied with the Tang dynasty of China.
Buddhism first arrived in Baekje from China in the late 4th century. In the 6th century, a Baekje monk named Gyeomik traveled to India to learn about Buddhism and returned with scriptures that were translated into the local language. Buddhist beliefs spread throughout society, and the ruler claimed to be a Buddha to help govern. During this time, many large temples and pagodas were built in Baekje. This connection with China and Japan helped spread Buddhism and influenced temple construction in both countries from the 5th to 7th centuries. This period also saw the formation of East Asia as a "geo-cultural circle" with shared writing systems using Chinese characters, the practice of Buddhism, and the use of Confucian laws. Baekje thrived for nearly 700 years, from 18 BC to 660 AD, alongside Goguryeo to the north and Silla to the east.
Historic monuments from Baekje’s time were buried and later discovered in excellent condition. These sites were officially recorded by the Korean government as heritage sites under the 1962 Cultural Heritage Protection Act, updated in 2012, and the 2004 Special Act on the Preservation and Promotion of Ancient Cities, updated in 2013. Local governments, such as South Chungcheong Province (2002) and North Jeolla Province (1999), also protect these sites through their own cultural heritage laws.
A group called the Baekje Historic Areas Conservation and Management Foundation was created to preserve these sites. It includes central, provincial, and local governments, as well as community groups. A Conservation and Management Plan for 2015–2019 was developed to protect the "Outstanding Universal Value" of the monuments and manage tourism at the sites.
Features
The eight sites on the heritage list are explained in more detail.
The Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress was first called Ungjinseong and later renamed Gongsanseong during the Goryeo dynasty. It covers 20 hectares (49 acres) and is located in the Geumseong-dong and Sanseong-dong districts. It was discovered during archaeological digs after the 1980s, which revealed how the fortress’s ramparts, royal palace, and related structures were built. The fortress is on top of Gongsan Mountain (110 meters or 360 feet high) and stretches 2,666 meters (8,747 feet) long. Its stone wall is 1,925 meters (6,316 feet) long, and the rest is made of earth. It was built to defend the area by using the mountain’s shape and connecting peaks with bridges. After the Baekje empire fell, the ramparts were rebuilt as stone walls. The fortress has lights to help visitors see it at night. It was used both as a defense structure and a royal palace.
The Royal Tomb of King Muryeong belongs to the 25th king of Baekje. It is also called the Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri or the Royal Tombs of Baekje. It is on a small hill (75 meters or 246 feet high) on the southern side of the Geumgang River. It was found in 1971 in excellent condition, though some digging had been done in 1927 and 1932. When excavated, the tomb was well-preserved and contained over 4,600 ancient items in good shape. The king’s queen was also buried there. This tomb was part of six others found in the Royal Tombs at Songsan-ri. The tombs were built around 475 AD after the capital was moved. The king’s tomb and Tomb No. 6 have brick walls with vaulted ceilings, while the other five tombs are stone chambers with domed ceilings.
The Busosanseong Fortress, located on a small hill, was originally called Sabiseong. It was part of the royal palace’s garden and served as an escape route during emergencies. It was discovered in 1993 during archaeological work. The fortress is on Busosan Mountain (106 meters or 348 feet high) on the northern edge of Buyeo, on the west bank of the Geumgang River. The fortress wall is 2,495 meters (8,186 feet) long, with a base width of 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) and a height of 3 meters (9.8 feet), built using the rammed earth method. It has two gates: one on the south (the main gate) and one on the east. Artifacts show the fortress was used for military purposes for over 1,000 years. The "Nakhwaam Rock," meaning "Rock of Falling Flowers," is a ledge where a Baekje legend tells of 3,000 royal ladies who jumped to their deaths.
The Jeongnimsa Temple Site has a layout common in Korea: a pagoda, prayer hall, and lecture hall. It is on flat land, with Geumseongsan Mountain to the east and Busosan Mountain to the north. Built during the Sabi period, the temple has carvings on the pagoda that honor the Tang dynasty’s victory over Baekje. The site includes a central gate, prayer and lecture halls, and monks’ living areas connected by paths. The buildings were made of wood on tiled bases. The site has a five-story pagoda 8 meters (26 feet) tall, with a low platform and a tall body on the first level, and smaller levels above. Other finds include roof tiles and clay figurines.
At the Mireuksaji Seoktap site, the temple features a large stone pagoda, the largest temple site in Korea and East Asia. The eastern tower was restored in 1993, and the western tower was also under repair. The pagoda is in good condition.
The Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri show a change in ceiling design from vaulted to flat. These tombs were uncovered between 1915 and 1917. Seven tombs were found here, with six arranged in two rows and the seventh 50 meters (160 feet) away. Three tombs have stone chambers with vaulted ceilings shaped like hexagons and squares.
The Naseong City Wall, built to protect the city, is 6.3 kilometers (3.9 miles) long and made of earth and stone. It guarded the northern and eastern parts of Sabi. The wall used rammed-earth technology, which was advanced at the time. The eastern part of the wall has been repaired. Some sections of the earthen walls were reinforced with wood planks, twigs, and leaves. Excavations found the main gate on the eastern side of Buyeo, near the Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri. The gate was 9.5 meters (31 feet) wide and built with rectangular stones. Another gate, found in 2013, was 800 meters (2,600 feet) away.
The Temple Site of Busosan Mountain has a Buddhist temple uncovered during digs in 1980. The temple covers 3,500 square meters (38,000 square feet) and includes one pagoda and one prayer hall. Artifacts found here include a gilt-bronze waist belt believed to belong to someone of high rank.