Gwanggaeto Stele
好太王碑 · Taiwang
memorial to King of Goguryeo
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Gwanggaeto Stele
Welcome to one of the most significant archaeological treasures of East Asia: the Gwanggaeto Stele. We are in the city of Ji'an, in China's Jilin Province, near the border with North Korea. …
Listen in the app2The Monolith — Architecture of Power
Standing at the base of the stele, the first thing that strikes you is its sheer physical presence. This is not a polished, refined monument of the later dynasties; it is raw, powerful, and imposing. …
Listen in the app3The Foundation Myth — The West Face
We begin our reading on the West Face of the stele, which recounts the foundation myth of the Goguryeo Kingdom. The text traces the lineage of the royal house back to the legendary founder, Jumong, also known as King Dongmyeong. …
Listen in the app4The Conquests of the 'Broad Expander' — South and East Faces
As we move to the South and East faces, the narrative shifts from myth to military history. Here, the stele details the specific battles and victories of King Gwanggaeto. …
Listen in the app5Conflict with the Later Yan — The East Face Continued
One of the most significant geopolitical struggles recorded on the stele is the conflict with the Later Yan, a dynastic state ruled by the Xianbei people in northeast China. While Gwanggaeto was busy fighting to the south, the…
Listen in the app6The Shinmyo Year Controversy — The Historical Debate
We now come to the most controversial part of the stele, found on the first face. This is the 'Shinmyo Year' passage of 391 AD. …
Listen in the app7The Guardians — The North Face
The final part of the inscription, located on the North Face, is less about glory and more about the practical management of the king's legacy. It provides a detailed list of the 'Sumioi,' or the custodians appointed to oversee…
Listen in the app8Closing
Our journey around the Gwanggaeto Stele concludes here, but the echoes of the past we have encountered remain. This massive block of granite has survived for over sixteen centuries, weathering the elements and the shifting tides…
Listen in the app
What is Gwanggaeto Stele?
Gwanggaeto Stele is a place in Taiwang with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Taiwang |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 41.1449, 126.2142 |
| Last updated |