A Study of Koguryo Anak Tomb No.1

Koguryo Anak Tomb No.1, dated to the late 4th century, reveals a unique cultural synthesis in Koguryo's Anak region, blending local traditions with newly adopted Buddhist concepts. Unlike other tombs—such as Anak Tomb No.3, which reflects northern Koguryo influences, or Anak Tomb No.2, characterized by strong Buddhist symbolism—Anak Tomb No.1 demonstrates a distinct integration of indigenous elements with emerging Buddhist beliefs. The tomb's wall paintings, particularly those depicting lotus motifs on the ceiling, simultaneously evoke shamanistic and Buddhist cosmological interpretations, suggesting a period of religious coexistence. This study highlights how Anak, after losing its status as a regional capital, adapted to political changes while preserving its cultural identity, incorporating new elements without fully abandoning its roots.

Jeon, H.-T. (2020). A Study of Koguryo Anak Tomb No.1. History & the Boundaries, 117, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.52271/pkhs.2020.12.117.1