Gaya Iron Culture

[Narration]
The considerable iron production in the Gimhae region promoted the manufacture of a broad variety of ironware, such as iron weapons, farming implements and horse harnesses during the 2nd century. During the 3rd century, Gaya’s high quality iron was even exported to the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and to Japan. As such, Gaya was an ‘iron kingdom’ and much of its strength stemmed from the kingdom’s exploitation of its natural resources and from its advanced iron industry.

[Tourist]
I see. Was iron really so important then?

[Narration] http://141.223.149.90:8280/smarttour/cms004/0012?langtype=&startdt=2015-03-18&enddt=2015-06-16&coid=&mode=1&value=&limit=10#
Of course! In ancient society, iron was a highly valuable resource and iron manufacturing was a “high-tech” industry. As iron farming tools replaced wooden and stone farming tools, agricultural production increased enormously. Furthermore, military power was also enhanced by the transition from bronze weaponry to iron weaponry. Thus Gaya developed rapidly based on its abundant iron ore and advanced iron manufacturing skills.

[Tourist]
Was Gaya the only kingdom with an abundance of iron?

[Narration]
Of course other kingdoms also had reserves of iron ore. However, their poor smelting skills limited their ability to extract iron from iron ore. The most advanced iron manufacturing technology used in Gaya was approximately 500 years ahead that of Japan.

[Tourist]
That’s amazing. Now I understand why Gaya is known as the ‘iron kingdom’.

[Narration]
These iron ingots are representative artifacts of that iron kingdom.