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The ruins of a castle from Korea’s ancient Balhae Kingdom (698-926) are seen in this photo released by the Natural Cultural Properties Research Institute, Thursday. It was discovered in the Koksharovka-1 area, located in Primorsky Krai, Russia. / Yonhap |
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The ruins of a castle from Korea's ancient Balhae Kingdom (698-926) have been discovered in Primorsky Krai ― known as Yeonhaeju here in the past ― 360 kilometers from Vladivostok, Russia.
The Natural Cultural Properties Research Institute announced Thursday that after observing the site with their Russian counterparts, the Koksharovka-1 area included castle remains from Balhae and also numerous relics.
The institute added that the characteristics of the ruins and relics were similar to those from the Goguryeo Kingdom (B.C. 37-668), which will help find a link between the Balhae Kingdom to the succeeding Gogureyo and also the exact territory of Balhae.
Excavators provided several pieces of evidence that link the site to Balhae, including the fact that the base was built with sand and mud to a depth of one meter. The builders also used smoothly faced flagstones as the step foundations of the castle and also the castle had a hint of ``ondol,'' a Korean traditional heating system, along the floors of the buildings, among others. This made it evident that the site was an ancient administrational venue.
Proof of active international exchanges was also reestablished with the discovery of celadon porcelain similar to those found on Wando Island, Korea. The institute also pointed out a pot that had patterns resembling ``Kang Kang Sool Lae,'' a traditional dance where women in dresses danced together under the full moon.
The discovery of a castle site from Balhae is known to be one of the biggest of its kind to be found either in North Korea or Russia and the institute added that they will continue with its excavation.
sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
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