Journey back through time at a special exhibition currently underway inSeoul and retrace the ancient history of two long–ago Korean kingdoms: Balhae (A.D. 698-926) and Goryeo (A.D. 918-1392). The National Museum of Korea recently released a treasure trove datingback to the two kingdoms, including an array of more than 230 recentlyexcavated artifacts. The museum‘s permanent exhibitions on the twokingdoms display a total of 770 pieces and trace the history that the twokingdoms left behind. The Balhae Gallery at the National Museum of Korea retraces the courseof Balhae history. The Goryeo Gallery allows visitors to see first–hand remains from Goryeotimes. The Balhae Gallery brings to life the history and traditions of Balhae, animportant unit of Korea‘s North–South States period from the late seventhto early tenth centuries. A collection of Balhae artifacts brought togetherhere at the museum spotlight the kingdom across three themes: thelegitimacy of Balhae rule; the capital, royal authority and governance ofBalhae; and, the flourishing Land of the East, Balhae, and its neighbors. Artifacts here show the way in which Balhae was a kingdom descendedfrom Goguryeo (37 B.C.-A.D. 668) and, also, focus on the distinctcharacteristics and universality of Balhae traditions. Building materials used as part of a roof, called wadang (와당, 瓦當) inKorean, date back to Balhae times (A.D. 698-926). A Buddhist statue from Balhae (698-926) is made out of clay. The Goryeo Gallery sheds new light on cultural aspects of Goryeo, a dynasty founded by Wang Gun (877-943) in 918 when he rallied togetherlocal clans and designated his birthplace, Songak, currently Kaesong, asthe new capital. A set of exhibits featured in the gallery compares traditions, art andreligions that flourished in the capital with those from other areas, giving a glimpse into how people from various classes lived during the 900s-1300s. There is a box inlaid with mother–of–pearl, works of celadon, jewelry andjade accessories excavated in and around Kaesong. These treasuresallow people to understand the luxurious and sophisticated way of lifeenjoyed by the aristocracy. Meanwhile,...
