Mausoleum of Dangun is ancient burial site near Pyongyang, which is claimed to be of Dangun, mythical ruler of Go-Joseon, by North Korean archaeologists and historians.

The Dangun Mausoleum was restored in 1994. The huge complex occupies about 450 acres on the slope of Mt. Daebaik. The complex is divided into three major sections: restoration work area, stone statue area and the burial site. Dangun's grave is shaped like a pyramid, about 22 m high and 50 m on each side.

The foundation of Go-Joseon was traditionally believed to be 2333 BC, but this excavation changed North Korean historians' point of view drastically. North Korean reports claim it to be 5011 +-267 years old (in 1993), which indicates Go-Joseon dates back to at least 30th century BC.

A nail found in the mausoleum, which dates back only to the period of Goguryeo, is a subject of great controversy. Some North Korean historians claim the mausoleum was found in the period of Goguryeo, while others suggest it is a result of later restoration.

Controversy

Some sceptical historians consider the dig and complex to be a politically considered reconstruction; others see it as having potential reality depending on a belief in the Dangun tradition, and the quality of the dating methods used. Clearly, archaeological work needs to be continued to solve these issues in the future, and accurately answer questions asked by all.

The debate is dealt with extensively at these sites which have a diversity of opinion to show both sides and are in no particular order, other than having a bibliographic search engine last.

• http://web.edunet4u.net/~lost/
• http://www.kimsoft.com/2002/danggun.htm
• http://www.dangoon21.net/
• http://daangoon.pe.kr/
• http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/EAL/

See also

• List of Korea-related topics

External links

• Pictures of Mausoleum of Dangun