The central area of Korea is rugged mountains interspersed with rice paddies and fields. We stayed in a larger city, known for being a center for science as well as a transporation hub. It was rainy, so we had a relaxing couple days of museums and eating. In the nearby town of Gongju we visited the National Museum that houses treasures from the 6th century tomb of the Baekje era King Muryeong. Most tombs from this period were robbed over the years, but his was undiscovered until the early 1970s, after being sealed for 1400 years or so. The museum has more than 20,000 historical objects, including 19 National Treasures. Among tose found in the tomb were gold crowns, earrings, swords, mirrors and gilt-bronze shoes. Many of these items have almost identical counterparts found in tombs in Japan, showing the exchange that must have been happening at this time between the two nations. The species of pine from which the coffins were constructed is one only found in Japan as well. In fact, the mother of Japanese Emporer Kammu was said to be from King Muryeong’s line! There were other items linking Korea and China. It is also the only tomb whose owner was known. There were stone epitaph tablets at the tomb entrance identifying the King and his wife. There’s another gallery showing history and culture of the Chungcheognam province from Paleolithic age to the Silla period (one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, along with the Baekje and Goguryeo) that helps put everything in context. Most of the other artifacts were from temples in the area in the Silla period (57 BC – 935 AD). Best of all, entrance to the museum was free, and so were the audio guides that worked by infrared, and were automatically started when you stood in front of any one of the exhibits.

A few photos…