Overseas Exchange of Gaya

These relics are foreign goods discovered in the former Gaya territory. Gaya was located in the south of the Korean Peninsula and took advantage of its extensive coastline to export its ironware and to actively trade with other countries.

Can you see the pinwheel-like relics on the left? They are ornaments that were used to decorate the shields of soldiers. Many have been found in Japan, so how did these examples end up in Gaya? Actually, they are believed to have been a gift, and indicate that Gaya and Japan enjoyed close ties.

The bronze pot in the middle was used by horse-riding nomads from China. This type of pot was usually hung from a horse’s saddle when travelling, and was used to cook lamb or horse meat. It has been suggested that this was the original ‘hot pot’. Its presence in Gaya indicates that there was vigorous interaction between Gaya in the southernmost part of the Korean Peninsula and the nomadic tribes in the northern part of the peninsula.

In addition to these artifacts, Persian glass wares and unique bronze bells have also been found in Korea. These relics show that Gaya traded and interacted with countries all over the world.