Kaesong Ancient City - World Cultural Heritage in Korea

The United Nations Science, Education and Cultural Organization has recognized Korea's Kaesong Ancient City as a World Cultural Heritage in 2013.

Kaesong ancient city.

Kaesong (Vietnamese name Khai Thanh) is a city in the northern province of Hwanghae province in southern North Korea. The city is located near the Kaesong industrial zone, with the ruins of Manwoldae palace and some other monuments.

When he was the capital of the Cao Ly Dynasty , this city was called Songdo . This is also the center of Cao Ly ginseng production which is known to the world and today is the light industrial city of North Korea.

The Cao Ly Dynasty (Koryo) is a sovereign kingdom located on the sale of Korean peaches founded in 918 by the reign of Thai To after the reunification of the kingdoms of the Later Three Kingdoms and was replaced by the Korean in the 1392.

Cao Ly's name, originating from Cao Cau Ly, was later transcribed into Korea and used as the official name for Korea. Ruling the kingdom of Cao Ly is the Cao Ly house of the Vuong family. Founder of Cao Ly and Vuong Kien, ie Thai To King. This dynasty existed for 474 years with many events and historical ups and downs but also left many imprints, as well as significant cultural achievements in Korean history.

Some typical architecture in the ancient city of Kaesong, Korea

Currently, the ancient city of Kaesong is a destination for foreign visitors to visit tourism in North Korea, which is also one of two locations in North Korea that Koreans can come. Currently Kaesong ears still have many relics from the remaining Cao Ly Dynasty such as Nam Mon Kaesong; Songgugwan; Manwoldae Palace: Sonjuk Bridge . A total of 12 major monuments in this city are located in a population recognized as a World Cultural Heritage. According to historical documents, 12 monuments were built under the Koryo Dynasty from 918 to 1392.

In the record of heritage recognition, Unesco experts have assessed the value of this cultural heritage with many values ​​in terms of politics, culture, education and spirituality.Unesco has affirmed: According to researchers at Kaesong National Heritage Office: The valuable cultural relics are the pride of the people of Pyongyang. Those are precious cultural heritage that show the long history of Korea.

Not only that, this legacy is also a testament to the transition from Buddhism to neo-Confucianism in East Asia. The integration and combination of cultural quintessence of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism is also clearly reflected in the architectural works in the ancient city of Kaesong.

Not only with historical value, these buildings also have high artistic value.Unesco has affirmed: Kaesong ancient city is a special proof of the culture of Cao Cau Ly dynasty.

Kaesong ancient city was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by Unesco according to criteria (ii), (iii)

Criterion (ii): The historical relics in Kaesong Ancient City have existed for thousands of years since the Koryo dynasty from 918 to 1392. Not only are the beautiful buildings having a clever combination. the quintessence of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, these works are also of national spiritual and political value.

Criterion (iii): The ancient city of Kaesong and its historical sites are special evidence of Koryo civilization and a testament to the time when Buddhism transferred to the Confucianism in Southeast Asia.

Currently, this cultural heritage along with the Koguryo Tomb Complex is recognized as a world cultural heritage in 2004 preserved in good condition and still quite intact.