Korea’s National Character and Cultural Foundation

This paper examines the major academic opinions related to East Buyeo and, based on this, examines the historical reality and cultural foundation of East Buyeo. In particular, research on the origins and culture of East Buyeo sought to secure validity through analysis of the recently investigated Dunhua (敦化) Gangzi(崗子) ruins. First, we looked at various academic opinions regarding East Buyeo. East Buyeo is a country distinct from North Buyeo and Buyeo. East Buyeo cannot be considered a state founded in the 3rd century, and its history is linked to the early history of Goguryeo. Next, the reality of East Buyeo that appears in Goguryeo history was examined through the perception of East Buyeo as seen in the Gwang'gaeto Stele. The Goguryeo people's perception of East Buyeo as seen in the Gwang'gaeto Stele is connected to their memories of North Okjeo, which they conquered in the 10th year of King Dongmyeong's reign. East Buyeo is understood to be a nation established by Buyeo people who migrated in the Jilin(吉林市) area as Buyeo expanded its influence along the transportation route leading eastward from Jilin↔ Dunhua↔Yanji(延吉). Through the above analysis results, the material culture of East Buyeo was explored with the area of Dunhua·Yanji in perspective. In particular, attention was paid to the Dunhua Gangzi group of relics recently reported to academics as material culture related to East Buyeo. Various relics, including ‘bean shaped earthenware’ excavated from the Gangzi ruins, are identical to those of the Buyeo culture that flourished around Jilin. Through this, both can be grouped into the same ‘Buyeo culture’. The Gangzi site reflects the history of Buyeo culture's eastward expansion along the transportation route leading to Jilin↔Dunhua↔Yanji.