Baekje Cultural Land

Baekje Cultural Land 1. Baekje Cultural Land 2. Baekje history and culture museum - 1 - Baekje Cultural Land 1. Entrance Baekje Cultural Land, the Revival of Baekje Welcome to Baekje Cultural Land, a reconstruction of the ancient Kingdom of Baekje. Baekje dominated the south-western part of the Korean Peninsula from 18 B.C. to 600 A.D. In addition to Baekje, two other kingdoms concurrently occupied the peninsula. They were Goguryeo, which was based in the north of Korea and eastern China, and Silla, based in the south-east of the Korean Peninsula. These three kingdoms influenced each other’s development through a series of conflicts and alliances which unfolded over a 700-year period known as the Three Kingdoms Period. During the 4th century, Baekje’s territory extended towards China under the powerful authoritarian leadership of King Geunchogo. In the following century, the king adopted Buddhism as the national faith and cultivated an independent Buddhist culture. In fact, Baekje was described in various Chinese historical sources as a kingdom with numerous Buddhist temples and pagodas. This brilliant Buddhist culture contributed to the foundation of ancient Japanese culture. During a time when means of transportation weren’t as developed as they are today, Baekje was the conduit for Northeast Asian cultural exchange between China and Japan in terms of art, religion and academic studies. Here at Baekje Cultural Land, you will be introduced to the magnificent culture of Baekje. The palaces, temples, pagodas and tombs that you will see here were reconstructed following ten years of - 2 - intensive historical research. At the Baekje Historical Museum, which is located next to Baekje Cultural Land, you can experience a variety of educational activities relating to the history of Baekje. There is a wealth of fascinating things to see at Baekje Cultural Land. We hope you enjoy discovering the splendor and beauty of the Baekje Kingdom! - 3 - Baekje Cultural Land 2. Buyeo, the Planned City Buyeo, the Planned City This is a reproduction of the palace of Buyeo, which was built according to the details contained in historical records. Buyeo, the third capital of Baekje, was a meticulously planned city built on a site that was formerly a wasteland. The people of Baekje constructed a fortress, a palace, government offices, temples, roads and waterways and established the infrastructure of the new city. But why did Baekje relocate the capital city to Buyeo? Originally, the capital city of Baekje was located where Seoul is today. In the 5th century, however, Baekje was invaded by Goguryeo, the kingdom based in the north of Korea, and was forced to retreat to Gongju, where it overcame a further series of crises before successfully reestablishing itself. In the early part of the 6th century, the king of Baekje risked relocating the capital again, this time to Buyeo, because although Gongju had certain defensive advantages, the region was too small and limited to allow further expansion of the city. The site chosen for the new capital was located on broad plains and in close proximity to a large river that allowed access to international sea trade routes. Despite many hardships and adversities such as natural disasters and enemy attacks, Baekje finally succeeded in constructing the new capital. The city of Buyeo was built by the determination of the people of Baekje and their fervent desire to revive the kingdom. Now let’s enter the palace of Buyeo, Sabi Castle. - 4 - Baekje Cultural Land 3. Junggungjeon (Central Palace) Junggungjeon (Central Palace) This is a reproduction of the palace where the King of Baekje conducted the affairs of the kingdom. As it was located in the middle of the palace complex, it was often referred to as Junggungjeon, or the ‘Central Palace’. However, the original name of the building was Cheonjeongjeon, as indicated by the signboard hanging from the roof. The name Cheonjeongjeon has special significance. In the ancient Baekje Kingdom, there was a rock called Cheonjeongdae, where people went to seek advice and approval from heaven about matters of importance. When the administrators of Baekje needed to make important decisions, rituals were held at Cheonjeongdae and opinions were gathered in order to make a final decision. There is a famous story that is often told about Cheonjeongdae. Whenever Baekje was preparing to elect a new prime minister, they wrote down the names of three or four candidates and placed it on this rock. After a few days, only one of the names was marked with a seal on the document. The people believed that the candidate with a seal had been approved by the heavens. This building, where the political decisions of Baekje were made, was named after the rock Cheonjeongdae. We hope that you are charmed by the desire of the ancient people to follow the rules of heaven, and that you enjoy your time here at the heart of Baekje politics. - 5 - Baekje Cultural Land 4. Donggungjeon (East Palace) Donggungjeon (East Palace) Now let’s take a look around the reproduction of Donggungjeon, which was the center of the kingdom’s administration. Baekje is known to have had twenty-two administrative ministries. Approximately 1,500 years ago, the kingdom had already established a number of different administrative divisions, each one specializing in the control of a particular branch of government such as finance, religion, law, defense, diplomacy and education. Baekje also convened a council composed exclusively of noblemen each time there was a need to discuss government affairs or elect a new prime minister. Since the council was held near Jeongsa Rock in a temple close to Sabi Castle, it was known as the Jeongsa Rock Council. The gathering of noblemen would decide matters by a majority vote system. This systematic administration organization and political institution helped Baekje grow into the dominant kingdom on the Korean Peninsula. If we now leave the palace and walk to the right, you will see the famous Five-story Wooden Pagoda, the pride of Baekje Cultural Land. Shall we go? - 6 - Baekje Cultural Land 5. King Seong and Neungsa Temple We have arrived at Neungsa Temple, which was built to honor the spirit of King Seong. Only the site of the former temple now remains at Neungsan-ri. This is a replica of the original Neungsa Temple, which was built according to evidence provided by relics excavated from the site. There is a very sad story about the foundation of Neungsa Temple. It tells of the tragic demise of King Seong. We will hear about it from King Wideok, who was the son of King Seong and the founder of the temple. [King Wideok] I am entirely to blame for my father’s death. If I hadn’t insisted that he attack Silla, he wouldn’t have died such a humiliating death. [Narration] How did your father die and why do you feel so guilty about it? [King Wideok] Our troops advanced on Gwanseo Castle to attack Silla but, unfortunately, our repeated assaults were unsuccessful. To make matters worse, I was surrounded by the enemy and separated from our troops. My father tried to come to my rescue, but he was ambushed by Silla soldiers on the way and killed. Every time I think of that day, my heart breaks. [Narration] So you feel guilty about your father’s death because you believe it is your fault. [King Wideok] I do. I hoped that I would be able to expiate the guilt I felt by retiring to live out the rest of my days in a temple. But I could not abandon the people of Baekje - it was my duty to serve them on behalf of my deceased father. So I determined to revive Baekje in honor of my father and his kingdom, and built Neungsa Temple to pray for the repose of my father’s soul. [Narration] As we have learnt from this story, Neungsa Temple was built out of the respect King Wideok had for his father, King Seong, and his ardent wish to revive the Kingdom of Baekje using the power of Buddhist faith. - 7 - Baekje Cultural Land 6. Five-story Wooden Pagoda of Neungsa Temple Five-story Wooden Pagoda of Neungsa Temple This pagoda is the first reproduction to be made in Korea of a Baekje-style wooden pagoda. It is not merely a copy of the original, but a work of art constructed by the most skilled Korean artisans who participated in the design and construction process. No nails were used in the construction of the pagoda, so only elaborate woodworking techniques hold it together. The complicated techniques are difficult to master even with the availability of modern technology. Take a look at the inside of the tower. Can you see the central pillar embellished with a dragon motif, extending right to the top? This is the frame of the wooden pagoda, and under the pillar, the sarira of Buddha was enshrined. Pagodas in Asia were produced to serve a purpose different to towers in the West. In Medieval Europe, a tower served either as a watchtower to detect enemy activity or a belfry to direct the sound of a bell towards the heavens. In the East, however, Buddhist pagodas were built to enshrine sariras, the crystalline, bead-like objects that remained among the cremated ashes of a Buddha. These kinds of Buddhist pagodas were first found in India, the birthplace of Buddhism. Indian Buddhist pagodas look like large, upside-down bowls, but pagodas in East Asia, including Korea, resemble a tower of stacked cubes. The main material used to build pagodas differs from country to country.

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