Goryeong Daegaya Designated as Korea's 5th Ancient Capital

Designation Procedures Completed by Revising the Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on Historic City Promotion
First New Designation in 20 Years Following Gyeongju, Buyeo, Gongju, and Iksan

On the 18th, Goryeong County in Gyeongbuk announced that through the revision and promulgation of the Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on the Preservation and Promotion of Historic Cities, Goryeong Daegaya has been officially designated as the fifth historic city of the Republic of Korea.

This new historic city designation is a historic decision made for the first time in 20 years, marking an important turning point that re-evaluates Goryeong as the political and cultural center of Daegaya.

According to historical records and archaeological research, Daegaya had a centralized state system, with hereditary kingship, the use of Chinese-style royal titles, a culture of etiquette and music, myths, burial rites, and various cultural traditions. It was a state that developed to a level comparable to Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla in ancient Korea.

In the late 5th century, Daegaya's influence expanded from Goryeong to neighboring areas such as Hapcheon, Geochang, and Hamyang. In this Goryeong region, many valuable cultural assets remain, including palace sites showing Daegaya’s capital system, the royal palace defense fortress (Jusanseong), and waterway transportation relics. Additionally, the Jisandong Tumuli, part of the Gaya Tumuli Cluster registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located here, which led to Goryeong’s high historical and academic value and its designation as a new historic city.

This historic city designation will serve as an opportunity to promote the historical value of Goryeong Daegaya both domestically and internationally. It will systematically preserve and manage the tangible and intangible heritage of the Goryeong area, and through projects such as the establishment of a World Heritage Exploration Hub Center and the creation of historical and cultural spaces, it aims to revitalize tourism and cultural industries. Additionally, various policies including residential environment improvement, streetscape maintenance, and resident participation programs will be implemented together, expected to contribute to improving the quality of life for local residents and economic development.

County Governor Lee Nam-cheol said, “The designation of Goryeong Daegaya as a historic city is a meaningful decision that once again confirms Goryeong as the center of our nation’s history and culture,” and added, “Goryeong County and the local community will preserve the heritage of Goryeong Daegaya and achieve sustainable regional development based on it.”