Kaesong
Country: North Korea
Region: Asia
Period: 918-1392
Location: 37.966667°N, 126.55°E
Description
Gaegyeong, located in present-day Kaesong, North Korea, was the capital of the Goryeo dynasty from 919 to 1394. Nestled between mountains and rivers, it was a fortified, planned city that reflected the dynasty’s Buddhist ideals and centralized royal authority.
Modern Remains
Many remnants of Gaegyeong survive in Kaesong, including the Manwoldae palace ruins, city walls, Confucian academies, and royal tombs. The historic sites of Kaesong are UNESCO-listed and provide valuable insight into Goryeo-era urban design, governance, and cultural sophistication.