[Opinion] Bakche Artifacts

Trojan artifacts found by Heinrich Schliemann are currently in possession of Russia’s Pushkin Museum, despite the fact that these artifacts have absolutely no relation to Russia. Schmliemann, who was from Germany, donated the artifacts to the German government in 1881. The artifacts were named Priam’s Treasure after a Trojan king and were stored at the Berlin Museum, although they suddenly disappeared during World War II. Russia, who dominated the city during that time, had secretly transported the artifacts away. When this fact was revealed Germany requested Russia return them, but Russia declined the request, insisting they were obtained righteously as war trophies. Additionally, Turkey also insists on the ownership of the artifacts since they were excavated in their territory. From this case, we learn that cultural properties as well as their histories can be interpreted differently by some power games.

It is estimated that people inhabited the Korean peninsula from 700,000 years ago. Artifacts from the Old Stone Age have been found in Yeonchon, Paju, Jechon, and Danyang in South Korea. We have the right to be proud of our history and traditions, since so many nations and people have gone through this land. However, it is almost impossible to accurately restore the framework of the peninsula’s history. There is a limit to how much we can clarify events of the past several millennia even if archaeology has developed to a great degree. Considering that history has always sided with the winners, old literature is not completely reliable. It is the same for our history, which has also been governed by political thinking.

Goguryo and Bakche have been neglected as subjects of historical research since they were defeated in the unification of the three kingdoms. Goguryo has been somewhat recognized for its great accomplishment in once extending its territory to Manchuria and boldly confronting China, but studies on the kingdom have been limited and since many of their artifacts remain in North Korea and China. In particular, it is known that Bakche was superior in its culture and national power, but it still remains a forgotten kingdom with many detailed historical facts missing. There has been much controversy over where Bakche’s early capital, Hanam-Weryesong, was located, and it is only recently that it was concluded to be Poongnahp Tosung.

Attention has once again been drawn to Bakche history since the kingdom’s splendid artifacts from the fourth or fifth century A.D. were unearthed. As a matter of fact, the problem of history restoration is not limited to our country. China, Japan and our neighboring countries also want to look at history from their own points of view, as there is always the possibility that history can be distorted by outside views. In order to accurately restore the right history, a nation and the people’s interest in it has to be strong. When part of your history is distorted, it is not right to get offended but soon forget about it until there is another incident. We have to pay attention to the details of our history in our daily lives and care for them with love.

Editorial Writer Hong Chan-sik, chansik@donga.com