Achievements of the Inter-Korean Joint Excavation of Kaesong Manwoldae and Inter-Korean Exchange

The Inter-Korean Joint Excavation of Kaesong Manwoldae, spanning 12 years from 2007 to 2018, uncovered groundbreaking archaeological and historical insights. The project identified the unique terraced structure of the Goryeo royal palace and significant building sites, including Kyungnyeongjeon Hall, while also discovering one of the world's oldest metal movable types, showcasing the excellence of Goryeo-era culture. Beyond academic contributions, the excavation played a pivotal role in securing UNESCO World Heritage status for Kaesong Historic Areas and Monuments, bolstering global cultural prestige. The study highlights a resilient governance model that combined authorities and private sectors, proving adaptable even during political challenges. However, recent inter-Korean tensions necessitate alternative cooperation strategies, such as non-face-to-face digital restoration and archiving, to sustain academic continuity. Urgent institutionalization and legalization are proposed to ensure long-term cultural heritage exchange, positioning the Manwoldae project as a catalyst for future Korean integration.

Park, S.-j. (2026). Achievements of the Inter-Korean Joint Excavation of Kaesong Manwoldae and Inter-Korean Exchange. The Journal of Korean Medieval History, 85(0), 69–95. https://doi.org/10.35863/jkmh.85.2