An Aerial View of the Sabi Royal Palace Sites
Establishing a Research Base to Identify Traditional Wall Construction
The shift from cultural heritage to Korea Heritage has brought many changes. Perhaps the most significant is the more proactive approach to cultural heritage. Unlike the passive welcoming of visitors in the past, cultural heritage is now evolving to reach out to the public in various ways. The “Aerial View of the Sabi Royal Palace Sites” event by the Buyeo National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage is part of this new initiative.
The present-day Buyeo contains many traces of Sabi Royal Palace. As the final capital of the Baekje dynasty, Sabi is where Baekje’s history came to an end. In 538, King Seong (r. 523-554) moved the capital here, spurring the construction of Naseong City Wall and development of a new city with military facilities to protect the royal palace and residential areas for civilians. The Sabi phase marks the peak of Baekje culture, with diverse artifacts discovered in the capital city, temples, and royal tombs.
Unveiling Sabi Royal Palace through Collective Effort
Buyeo, along with Gyeongju and Gongju, is considered one of Korea’s ancient capitals. This implies its immense historical value and the vast history lying beneath the foundations of the current city. Buyeo County, in cooperation with the Buyeo National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, has been actively purchasing privately-owned buildings to aid the excavation of the Gwanbuk-ri site.This support played a crucial role in organizing the “Aerial View of the Sabi Royal Palace Sites” event. The aim was to provide a comprehensive aerial view of the historical discoveries made possible through cooperation with residents, and to allow visitors to imagine the future landscape of the Gwanbuk-ri area, as if viewing a blueprint.
King Seong’s New City Plan: The Relocation to Sabi
Sabi served as a production base for Ungjin (present-day Gongju) during its time as the Baekje capital. King Seong decided to develop Sabi as the new capital, primarily to strengthen the royal authority. Baekje had lost significant power when fleeing from Hanseong to Ungjin to escape Goguryeo. Although Ungjin offered defensive advantages, it was too confined. King Seong concluded that Ungjin limited the country’s potential for growth and chose to relocate to Sabi, a strategic transportation hub. He began constructing the new capital immediately upon ascending the throne, starting with Busosanseong Fortress and developing infrastructure including the royal palace, Neungsa Temple, other temples, and main roads.The Gwanbuk-ri site, set against the backdrop of Busosanseong Fortress, reveals a meticulously planned city layout. Excavations have uncovered road grids, land development, workshops, and underground storage facilities featuring wooden and stone sheds.
Encountering Sabi Royal Palace from the Sky
The decision to use hot air balloons for an aerial view of the expansive Sabi Royal Palace sites was ambitious. Inspired by balloon rides in the Baengmagang River area, the event prioritized safety and weather conditions. It proved highly challenging; the balloons could only operate when there were no tall buildings nearby and in light winds. Fortunately, the height restrictions in Buyeo and gentle spring winds were favorable for the event. After numerous simulations with experts, the event was successfully held.King Seong’s relocation to Sabi ushered in a “new golden age” for Baekje. This historical new beginning now intersects with the Korea Heritage system’s fresh start, transcending a long history. We hope to see more programs that bridge the gap between Baekje’s royal capital and the public, introducing cultural heritage through diverse experiences.Technique
This project aimed to lay the foundation for the forgotten Nijang technique through literature analysis, field investigation, and scientific analysis of traditional architectural wall construction. We documented the verbal explanations and hands-on demonstrations of craftsmen involved in the preservation and maintenance of architectural heritage. Additionally, literature records from the Joseon Dynasty were analyzed to investigate the materials and techniques used in wall construction at that time. Organic and inorganic materials were studied through field surveys at dismantling and preservation sites to confirm thedetailed performance of materials used in wall construction.
