The Historical Value of Iksan and its Meaning

Recent archaeological discoveries at Iksan, South Korea, have significantly elevated its historical significance by linking it to King Mu of Baekje (r. 501–523 CE). Excavations at the Archaeological Site in Wanggung-ri confirmed it as a royal palace fortress associated with King Mu, while the Mireuksa Temple Site revealed a continuous religious presence from his reign through the early Joseon Dynasty. The 2009 discovery of a Sarira Reliquary in the West Tower further tied the site to King Mu’s governance. Additionally, the excavation of Twin Royal Tombs strengthened the hypothesis that one interred individual is King Mu, providing a clearer image of Iksan as a royal capital. These findings, combined with evidence from the Historic Site in Seogodo-ri and Ohaeng-daepo, suggest King Mu’s mother may have been part of a local clan, reshaping our understanding of his early life. The study proposes a paradigm shift, arguing that Iksan’s strategic importance predated King Mu’s accession rather than being a consequence of it.

Chung, J. Y. (2026). The Historical Value of Iksan and its Meaning. The Research Institute for the Mahan-Baekje Culture, 47, 46–80. https://doi.org/10.34265/mbmh.2026.47.46