• Bangmulgwan gwa yeongu (The National Museum of Korea Journal)
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• v.1
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• pp.18-35
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• 2024

The Tomb of Jang Mui was discovered and investigated during the Japanese colonial era. It has provided key archaeological material for identifying the Daebang Commandery mentioned in historical records as Sariwon in Hwanghae-do Province when some bricks used in the construction of the tomb were found to be stamped with the official title "Prefect of Daebang Commandery." The discovery of the Tomb of Jang Mui served to confirm that the brick chamber tombs found along the Daedonggang River in 1909 were related to the Nangnang Commandery. It can be viewed as a major archaeological breakthrough that settled a debate over the locations of the Daesu River and Daebang Commandery that had been ongoing since the early Joseon Dynasty. Despite its significance for archeology and ancient Korean history, the circumstances of the discovery and investigations of the Tomb of Jang Mui have not been thoroughly examined. Inscribed bricks and roof tiles unearthed during the excavation conducted by Sekino Tadashi in 1912 are currently housed at The University Museum of The University of Tokyo. A number of other bricks excavated from the Tomb of Jang Mui are in the collection of the National Museum of Korea. Main agents of the investigations into these materials have not all been identified. Only some records on the materials collected during the investigations by Nomori Gen and others specify the main investigators. Inscribed bricks from other related tombs are also found in the Tokyo National Museum and at several universities in Japan. It is hoped that a comprehensive report incorporating all these materials can be written. Based on a reinterpretation of its structure conducted by Jung In-seung in 2010, the Tomb of Jang Mui has been dated to 348. This means it was not built during the Daebang Commandery period. The most compelling archaeological evidence regarding the location of the Daebang Commandery and its local capital has been undermined. It is hoped that active discussions will be held on the issue of the Daebang Commandery and its local capital.