The Ancient Complex of Koguryo Tombs in North Korea

The Complex of Koguryo Tombs is a spectacular ancient site, which became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site to be listed in North Korea when it was inscribed in July 2004. The complex consists of several group and individual tombs, dating to the later period of the Koguryo Kingdom, and are the most well-known cultural heritage remains of the Kingdom. Many of the Koguryo (Gorguyeo) tombs contain beautiful wall paintings, which offer us a glimpse into the lives of the people living in the ancient Koguryo Kingdom

The Koguryo Kingdom was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, and existed between the 3^rd century B.C. and the 7^th century A.D.  At its height of power in the 5^th century A.D., its territory included northeast China and the northern half of the Korean peninsula. The Koguryo Tombs are located in the cities of Pyongyang and Nampho.