History of Wanggung-ri

We are now looking at a majestically elegant stone pagoda we were introduced to earlier through a miniature replica exhibited in the Wanggung-ri Relics Museum. A pagoda, or the stupa from which it evolved, is a Buddhist monument used to house Buddhist relics or to commemorate significant facts of Buddhism. The pagodas in Korea and its neighboring countries, China and Japan, are usually multi-storied with features inspired by traditional houses, whereas the stupas in India and Southeast Asian countries are characterized by a shape akin to a mound, dome, or upturned cone. As for the building materials, Korean Buddhists preferred stone while the Chinese preferred ceramic bricks, and the Japanese, wood.

The pagoda is the site's only historical remnant to have retained many of its original features, and is one of the most conspicuous manmade structures in the area. While it is now regarded as a landmark for the entire Baekje palace site in Wanggung-ri, it is in fact directly related with a Buddhist temple established on the site, probably some time after the construction of the palace.

The temple is known to have been closely related with King Mu of late Baekje. He was born in today's Iksan, where the Wanggung-ri site is currently located. The king must have loved his hometown given the wealth of historical remains scattered around the city, all related with his rule of Baekje .

Local historians believe that when King Mu died, his body was buried in his hometown and a temple was built along with the pagoda now standing before us to commemorate his life and achievements.


Favorable Topographical Conditions of Iksan

For King Mu and his advisors, today's Iksan and its vicinity had topographical conditions that were strategically favorable to the development of a new capital of his kingdom.

The area is, first of all, surrounded by mountains, providing the necessary conditions for effective defense against enemy attacks. It also had over ten walled fortresses built around the mountains, enhancing the area's defense capability against outside forces.

The area's defense capability was further increased by the fertile soil in the wide open plains around the rivers to the south of Iksan. These rivers also provided waterways to the West Sea, helping Baekje to actively engage in trading with the outside world.

Anyone can easily imagine that the king tried hard to make the most of the strategic advantages the new capital could offer him and keep his kingdom safe from all the internal and external troubles.

Also, there are sufficient historical and archaeological evidences in and around Iksan to suggest that the king wished his hometown to play a key role in his effort to ensure the safety and prosperity of his kingdom. Some such evidence is provided by the ruins of Mireuksa, another major Baekje heritage site located in Iksan. This temple - dedicated to the Buddha of the Future - was also founded by King Mu. He wished it to help his people achieve spiritual unity and bring peace and prosperity to his kingdom. Near the palace site, there is another site of Baekje temple, named Jeseoksa. It was established by King Mu to offer prayers for the safety of his family and kingdom.

As more excavations and researches are conducted at many Baekje sites in and around Iksan, it is becoming clearer that the city once played a very important role in the history of Baekje.