A Historical Journey to Chungju Steeped in Goguryeo History

The Chungju Goguryeo Monument is presumed to have been erected after King Jangsu captured and developed various fortresses along the Namhangang River basin. This historical travel itinerary takes you to Chungju, home to Korea's only surviving Goguryeo stone stele. In addition to the rich history of Goguryeo, this course also includes an astronomical science museum where you can observe stars, planets, and nebulae.

Along the way

1. 1

   Jangmisanseong Fortress, Chungju

   충주 장미산성

   This mountain fortress from the Three Kingdoms period was built along the ridge of Jangmisan Mountain near the Namhangang River in Chungju. Records of the fortress can be found in historical texts such as Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam and Daedong Jiji. Pottery fragments and roof tiles discovered inside the fortress during a 1992 investigation indicate that this was a fiercely contested territory among Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla. Except for a section near Bonghaksa Temple, most of the fortress walls remain in their original form, built with trimmed, rectangular stones. The narrow, long military trench running along the northern summit wall appears to have been constructed using materials from the surrounding walls. From atop Jangmisanseong Fortress, one can take in a panoramic view of the Namhangang River. Nearby are many traces highlighting the history and culture of the Chungju region, including the Jungwon Goguryeo Monument and the Nuam-ri Ancient Tombs.MoreLess

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2. 2
   Chungju Museum

   충주박물관

   Located in the heart of the Jungwon cultural sphere, Chungju Museum opened in 1986 as a relic exhibition hall featuring artifacts donated by citizens. It later relocated to the vicinity of Jungangtap (National Treasure No. 6) in Gageum-myeon, Chungju-si, developing into a comprehensive museum. Exhibition Halls 1 and 2, along with an outdoor exhibition area, are set within a historical park that harmonizes beautifully with the Namhangang River and Jungangtap. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts various special exhibitions, conducts academic research on the Jungwon cultural area, and runs the Museum Traditional Culture School and Children's Museum School, constantly evolving as a museum that engages with the public.MoreLess

   

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3. 3
   Exhibition Hall of Chungju Goguryeo Monument

   충주고구려비전시관

   At the Exhibition Hall of Chungju Goguryeo Monument, you can see the Chungju Goguryeo Monument (National Treasure No. 205), the only surviving Goguryeo stone stele in Korea. Standing in front of Ipseok Village in Yongjeon-ri, Gageum-myeon for a very long time, its true value was only brought to light in 1979. Presumed to be a commemorative monument erected after King Jangsu took control of the Namhangang River basin, it was named the Goguryeo Monument. A protective pavilion was later built, and the Exhibition Hall of Chungju Goguryeo Monument finally opened in 2012. The exhibition hall introduces the heritage, folktales, lifestyle, and history of Goguryeo, as well as the Anak Tomb No. 3, the Gwanggaeto Stele, and the discovery process of the Chungju Goguryeo Monument, allowing visitors to appreciate the monument's great historical value.MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Chungju Goguryeo Astronomical Science Museum

   충주고구려천문과학관

   Opened in 2008, this astronomical science museum was named Chungju Goguryeo Astronomical Science Museum to inherit the spirit of Goguryeo, inspired by the nearby Chungju Goguryeo Monument. The first floor houses an exhibition room, an audiovisual room, and a planetarium, while the second floor features a main observation room and an auxiliary observation room. The main observation room is equipped with a high-performance large-aperture telescope with a diameter of 600 mm. The auxiliary observation room features refracting telescopes (120 mm and 150 mm), catadioptric telescopes (250 mm and 400 mm), and a pair of binoculars. The first-floor exhibition room presents ancient views of the universe regarding constellations and astronomy, as well as the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido (Chart of the Constellations and the Regions They Govern), a historical Korean star chart. Documentaries, special exhibitions, and astronomy lectures are held in the audiovisual room. The planetarium features a hemispherical projection dome screen, allowing visitors to enjoy three-dimensional views of celestial bodies and constellations through a projector beam.MoreLess

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