Overview

The Baekje Historic Areas are a collection of eight archaeological sites in Iksan-si, South Korea, that showcase the cultural and artistic heritage of the Baekje Kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is significant for its representation of the later period of the kingdom, which was at the crossroads of technological, religious, cultural, and artistic exchanges with ancient East Asian kingdoms. The site preserves a wealth of artifacts and architectural remains from this period.

History

The Baekje Historic Areas are listed on the National Register as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. According to UNESCO, these sites represent the last phase of the Baekje Kingdom (475-660 CE), one of the three earliest kingdoms on the Korean peninsula. The site's archaeological record provides valuable insights into the kingdom's cultural and artistic achievements during this period.

Architecture

The Baekje Historic Areas feature a range of architectural styles, including fortresses, temples, and administrative buildings. These structures demonstrate the kingdom's unique blend of indigenous and foreign influences, reflecting its strategic location at the crossroads of East Asia. The site includes notable examples such as the Gongsanseong fortress, royal tombs, and temples like Jeongnimsa.

Location

The Baekje Historic Areas are located in Iksan-si, South Korea, in the mountainous mid-western region of the Republic of Korea. Specifically, they cover an area with coordinates 35.975, 127.0555555556.

Religious Significance

The Baekje Historic Areas hold significant religious importance, particularly for Buddhism, which played a prominent role during the Baekje Kingdom period. The site includes temples like Jeongnimsa and Mireuksa, which demonstrate the kingdom's Buddhist heritage and its connections with other East Asian kingdoms.

Notable Artworks and Features

Unfortunately, no specific details about notable artworks or features are available for the Baekje Historic Areas.

Heritage Status

The Baekje Historic Areas were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, recognizing their cultural and artistic significance. According to UNESCO, these sites meet the criteria of (ii)(iii), which focuses on the cultural heritage of a site.

Visiting Information

Unfortunately, no specific details about visiting information are available for the Baekje Historic Areas.