Did you know the PyeongChang Olympics made a mythical creature from Goguryeo a global star?
The creature was painted on a wall of a tomb that was created in 408. It was recreated for the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, drawing international attention. The talk of the town was a human-faced bird, Inmyeonjo in Korean. It was inspired by the mural of Inmyeonjo at Deokheungri Tomb in North Korea.
The over 1600-year-old bird was reborn with dancers, who were also a recreation based on the mural at another Goguryeo tomb of Muyongchong. Inmyeonjo was the biggest Korean star during the 2018 Olympics. Those who saw Inmyeonjo on TV were intrigued by its appearance, with its human face, a giraffe-like long neck, and large wings. Inmyeonjo aroused interest in traditional Korean art and culture. This imaginary bird appeared in other paintings from Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla and even Joseon.
What kind of country was Goguryeo? Goguryeo comprises around 700 years of Korea’s 5000 years of history. It was an ancient Korean kingdom that existed from 37 B.C. to 668. With strong power and an advanced culture, Goguryeo ruled the Northern parts of Korea and a considerable portion of Manchuria. Numerous people around the world heard the name of Korea during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. Most of them probably didn’t know that the English name of Korea originated from the kingdom of Goryeo (918-1392), which took its name from Goguryeo. Goguryeo was also called Goryeo.
Wang Geon, the founder of Goryeo, named his kingdom Goryeo to proclaim its succession to Goguryeo. Goryeo was very international and made its name known to the world. However, Goguryeo was the origin of the name of Korea. Inmyeonjo was also a creation of Goguryeo. A long history and rich cultural heritage are the forces behind Korea’s strong cultural power.