A discovery in a French library has unveiled a new copy of the Gwanggaeto Stele

사진-국립중앙박물관, 연합뉴스

In a groundbreaking revelation, the historical landscape of Gwanggaeto the Great's legacy, a formidable ruler of the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo, has been expanded with the unearthing of an additional copy of the Gwanggaeto Stele. This momentous discovery occurred within the archives of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, presenting a distinct manuscript that promises to offer nuanced perspectives on the historical tapestry of Goguryeo. Notably, this newfound version stands in stark contrast to the sole existing Western copy, commonly referred to as the "Chavan version," adding layers of complexity to our understanding of this critical period in Korean history.

The unveiling of this unique copy took center stage during an academic presentation by Professor Park Dae-jae from Korea University. Professor Park, an esteemed scholar in the field, shared his findings at a scholarly conference, highlighting the potential significance of this French copy, which is believed to trace its origins back to the early 20th century. What distinguishes this manuscript from the Chavan version is not merely its temporal disparity but also the subtle divergences in content, hinting at potential variations in historical accounts or editorial perspectives.

Crucially, the scholarly community recognizes the rarity of this find, attributing heightened historical significance to its verification as a revision from the early 20th century. The inscription on the stele, a formidable 1,775 characters, serves as a dense repository of information, chronicling the exploits, achievements, and cultural nuances of Goguryeo during Gwanggaeto's reign. This extensive textual corpus, rich in historical detail, has the potential to reshape our understanding of Goguryeo's socio-political dynamics, military prowess, and cultural contributions during this pivotal era.

Beyond the academic realm, the international implications of this discovery are striking. The Bibliothèque nationale de France now houses a second copy of the Gwanggaeto Stele, following the acquisition of the Chavan version. This underscores the global interest in preserving and comprehensively studying Goguryeo's historical records. Scholars worldwide, captivated by the allure of this newfound artifact, are turning their attention to its intricate details, recognizing its pivotal role in enriching our comprehension of Goguryeo's multifaceted cultural and historical narrative. As the scholarly discourse unfolds, it is evident that this discovery will leave an indelible mark on our collective understanding of Korea's ancient past.