The Iron Empire, Gaya_1

This is the Gaya Room. Gaya was the name of the confederacy that existed in southern part of the Korean Peninsula during the third century. Unlike the other ancient Korean kingdoms –namely, Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla– Gaya consisted of individual polities located near Nakdong River.

In Korean history, Gaya is known as the ‘Iron Empire’. Gaya was a leading producer of iron, and its iron manufacturing processes were superior to the techniques employed by any other kingdom. In addition, thanks to Gaya’s geographical situation, it was very easy to transport goods by river and sea routes. Therefore, many buyers from neighboring countries travelled to Gaya to purchase iron. Gaya traded not only with other kingdoms in Korea, but also with China, Japan and northern nomadic groups via sea routes.

Gaya established a unique and independent iron culture, manufacturing many iron products including farming implements, weapons such as swords and spears, horse accessories, armor and helmets. Distinctive pottery and earthenware figurines are also representative objects of Gaya.

For over 500 years, Gaya had accomplished the cultural development through its own advanced iron culture.