Understanding Ungjin Era of Baekjae Dynasty
Baekjae Dynasty is classified into three distinct eras: Hangseong, Ungjin and Sabi, depending on its place of capital. Since King Onjo established the nation in BC18, it lasted for 700 years until 31^st king of King Uija in AD660. Out of this period, Baekjae stayed in the capital, Ungjin from year 475 to year 538 for 64 years. 64 years is not a long term in its 700 year long history, but it was a period that had a significant impact on culture of neighboring countries such as Shilla, Gaya and Japan. This is the period when they restarted trades with China, which had stopped since Hanseong era.

After losing wars against Gogurye southward advance where their king was killed, Baekjae Dynasty reestablished their capital in Ungjin opening new era of 64 years, to restore their dynasty. You can witness this history in National Gongju Museum. Those relics found from the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong (displayed on the 1^st floor of National Gungju Museum) is considered as the discovery of the century in terms of history, archeology, art history and cultural perspective, such that it is a key to solve a number of mysteries in Baekjae History.

Relics is an evidence that testifies about the times of establishing capital of Baekjae Dynasty in Ungjin area for 64 years, not to mention the overall history of Baekjae. It also lends support to the story of the Chronicles of the Three States (Samguksagi). Therefore, those relics and remains that were found in Chungnam region (which are displayed on the 2^nd floor of Chungnam Ancient Culture Hall) solved some of mysteries in Baekjae Dynasty

 The Royal Tomb of King Muryeong is an ancient tomb of Baekjae’s Ungjin Era, which was accidentally unearthed on July 5^th, 1971 during drain works to protect flooding of No. 5 and No. 6 Tomb in Songsanli. After a while investigating burial accessories, it thrilled everyone to find that the tomb belonged to the King Muryeong. The description of memorial stone is brief, but it is the only royal tomb that indicates the owner of the tomb amongst a number of royal tombs from the period of the Three States.

This memorial stone not only lends support to the story of the Chronicles of the Three States (Samguksagi), but also is a critical evidence of studying Baekjae people’s thoughts and philosophy. Therefore, this is highly valued relics in studying the history of Baekjae Dynasty. The discovery of the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong was a very rare discovery at that time, and therefore is compared to opening a time capsule of Baekjae’s Ungjin Era.

There found outstanding cultural relics such as memorial stone, crown ornaments, and daily supplies. However, their building method and style of manufacturing tomb bricks is superior of other contemporary architectural techniques, which is an evidence of their advance culture of Baekjae Ungjin Era.

Although Gongju was well known as the place of Underglaze Iron Buncheonware for long, there has been not much of programs to interact and share its value with the public, except for a few sentences in old scripture. Gongju Art Festival is held annually, to let all the people know about arts and culture of Gongju City, so as to enhance the image of Gongju City. The objective of Pottery Experience Program is to inform people that Gongju is a center of potter makings in Korea, and provides an opportunity to understand the beauty and class of our culture.

The late mater singer of pansori, Dongjin PARK’s famous lyrics is ‘Jebimolleo Naganda”, which was made as an advertisement in 1992. This sarcastic remark brought people’s attention to Pansori and other Korean culture.

The school was established on November 23^rd, 1998 to commemorate the songs of master singer of pansori, Dongji PARK, and also to train younger generation. After Park’s passing, best pupil, Master Yangsuk Kim is now training students, and running programs for general public, including Pansori experience program.

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