Goguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural
Goguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural North Annex · Goguryeo Site
Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)·Bronze Age·🇰🇵 South Pyongan, Susan-ri, North Korea
About
About Goguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural
Goguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural in South Pyongan, Susan-ri, North Korea is a Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE) tumulus attributed to Bronze Age. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal mound diameter 45 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 38.4930N 125.2340E controls access to South Pyongan resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey tumulus for South Pyongan, Susan-ri, illustrating Bronze Age construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1800 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age (2200–800 BCE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Elite burial mound with chamber and earthen tumulus
- Rediscovered
- 1998 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 1800 BCE
Initial construction of Goguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural main structure
c. 1938
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1998–2013
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Goguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
38.4930° N · 125.2340° E · 346 m · 4 mapped features
Goguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural — Main Structure
structurePrincipal tumulus — Mound diameter 45 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
38.4938° N · 125.2349° EGoguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
38.4920° N · 125.2333° EGoguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
38.4945° N · 125.2352° EGoguryeo Tomb 1 Susan-ri Ceiling Mural — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
38.4914° N · 125.2329° E